In today’s question-answer session of the Gujarat Assembly, Shailesh Parmar, the Congress MLA representing Dani Limda constituency, raised a question during the Question Hour, addressing concerns about the release of chemical water into the Sabarmati river, which is the second most polluted river in India. 

Parmar inquired about the total number of complaints over the last two years and sought information on the actions taken by the relevant offices of the forest and environment department.

In response, Mukesh Patel, the minister of state for forest, environment, and climate change, stated that in 2022, 42 notices, including show cause notices, legal notices, closure notices, and notices of direction, were issued to units in Ahmedabad and nearby areas. In addition to these, 19 notices were issued in 2023. 

In a supplementary question, Parmar pressed for details about the effectiveness of these notices, highlighting the ongoing issues despite the notices. He pointed out the concern raised by the Gujarat High Court and the lack of strict actions taken.

Patel acknowledged the department’s concern and stated that in cases of polluted water, police cases have been initiated, notices issued, and units seized for improper release of polluted water. He mentioned that there has been a decline in the number of polluted rivers in Gujarat, from 351 in 2018 to 2 in 2022, from which Gujarat now only remains with 2 polluted rivers as compared to 9 rivers in 2018.

Congress MLA Dr Tushar Chaudhary pointed out that the agency which is responsible for treatment of the polluted water has also been served notice by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB).

Parmar alleged malpractices by GPCB officials, expressing frustration over the lack of improvement despite his complaints. He said that despite being an MLA and raising complaints, the situation remains the same and the Sabarmati river remains the second most polluted river in India.

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