Giving a clarion call to Nagpurians and all authorities to make wholehearted efforts to rejuvenate Nag river and restore it to its previous glory, Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court on Monday described the apathy of society and administration as worrisome. The High Court took suo-motu cognisance of ‘The Hitavada’ reports highlighting the shocking indifference of administration and society towards Nag, Pili, and Pohra rivers. Hearing a suo-motu PIL based on ‘The Hitavada’ news-reports about plight of Nag river and dirt and filth in Civil Lines area, a division bench consisting of Justice Sunil Shukre and Justice Anil Kilor enlarged the scope of the PIL and included cleaning of entire stretch of the Nag river as it affected the environment and health of public at large.

 

The High Court, while seeking detailed response about efforts to clean Nag, Pili, and Pohra rivers, pointed out that recent outbreak of pandemic should act as a wake-up call to all as any neglect of such water bodies could be detrimental to public health and hygiene. The High Court asked all the authorities to tackle the root cause of pollution and contamination and not to undertake piecemeal efforts to clean stretches. A decade ago, the High Court had treated another report of ‘The Hitavada’ on Nag river pollution as PIL and it ultimately led to commitment to construct sewage treatment plants (STPs) within defined time. Unfortunately, the promise was followed only in breach. Describing Nag river as the signature river of Nagpur and lamenting over shocking apathy of all stakeholders in protecting it, the High Court had vividly described the pristine beauty of this signature river in the past while lashing out at the collective indifference of Nagpurians towards their treasure trove.

 

Last year, the High Court took suo-motu cognisance of ‘The Hitavada’ report about dirt, filth and pig menace near Central Telegraph Office (CTO) and directed Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) to take steps to clean the stretch. The news-report had highlighted absolutely shoddy work done by NMC at nullah near CTO compound due to which filth had accumulated on one side and foul smell was emanating from it. Apart from pig rearing which had created a fresh nuisance for the nearby residents, the report had highlighted mushrooming encroachments in Civil Lines area near CTO and other institutions and shocking official indifference to tackle this problem. Expanding the scope of PIL, the High Court pulled up NMC for not clearing Nag river, delay in completing STPs and thereby reducing it to a stinking water channel.

 

The High Court stressed upon the need for doing more and stated that the work done by NMC was not enough. Referring to Nag river-bank abatement plan envisaged with the help of Japanese agency, the High Court noted that such a comprehensive effort was needed if the river was to be cleaned up and restored to its glorious position. The High Court then asked NMC and State Government to place on record the detailed plan to rejuvenate Nag river. Adv Sudhir Puranik appearing for NMC claimed that NMC was cleaning the Nag river and a detailed project report had been prepared to rejuvenate the river. He further stated that systemic efforts were on to protect all water bodies and clean the rivers.