HC: Nag river a cursed lady, thanks to industrialization

Nagpur: The iconic Nag river, which was once upon a time a vibrant and clear rivulet reverberating with life and giving life force like a mother to her children, is now reduced to a cursed lady, thanks to industrialization, urbanization and its alienation by her own children, the Nagpur bench of Bombay high court tersely observed.
While hearing a suo motu plea based on various media reports highlighting the plight of historic river that is now turned into nullah for dumping sewage, a division bench comprising justices Sunil Shukre and Nitin Suryawanshi asked the respondents to submit responses regarding preparation and sanction of a comprehensive plan for its rejuvenation within eight weeks.
“We’re of the considered view that unless a comprehensive plan dealing with all aspects of its clean-up, beautification and maintenance is made, no major success in its restoration to original state is going to be achieved. It would have to take care of the polluting sources apart from other relevant factors, in an effective manner,” the bench said.
Stressing that the petition is all about the concern and sentiment of every citizen for neglect, polluting and spoiling the river, the bench pointed out that Nagpur not only derives its name but also its glory and pride from it. “It originates somewhere on the plateau of hill ranges just behind Ambazari lake. Over a period of time, the citizens suffered in silence after witnessing its transformation and gradually losing its pristine into a stinking channel of sewage, filth and industrial waste.”
Pointing out that the beautiful temples based on ‘Hemadpanthi’ architecture built by erstwhile rulers from Bhonsale dynasty adorned the river’s banks, the judges said even those wore a forlorn look today, perhaps in sadness over its pitiable state. “Time has come for the society of Nagpur to come forward and take up the cudgels against every source, element and anyone responsible for polluting the river beyond recognition. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s (NMC) reply shows some efforts are already taken to clean it up, but we find those may not be enough, as they are temporary.”
Quoting the media report, the judges said a proposal for the river’s cleaning and beautification of its surroundings was sanctioned by the central government, but no details were placed either by the government or NMC in this regard. “Something more, making a permanent impact would have to be done, if the river is to be cleaned up and restored to its original position. It’s also in the news that some Japanese agency is likely to be appointed as consultant for the clean-up and beautification effort.”
Earlier, amicus curiae Nikhil Padhye pointed out that in the vicinity of the area of CTO/NVCC through which the river flows, pigs are using the banks to hide. NMC counsel Sudhir Puranik then pointed out that about 12 of them were caught by the experts and if any new menace was noticed, similar action would be taken.
Major sources of pollution
Industrial effluents, soil erosion & indiscriminate felling of trees
Discharge of sewage water from slums, houses & establishments
Pigs roaming on banks & in shallow ponds formed along course
Dumping of garbage directly into river
Washing of clothes, animals & vehicles on banks
Encroachments into catchment areas & along banks