Latest news with #GujaratStateHumanRightsCommission
Time of India
11-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Experts flag indiscriminate vegetation removal along Vishwamitri
Vadodara: The group of experts appointed by the Gujarat State Human Rights Commission (GSHRC) to monitor the Vishwamitri river project has raised concerns over the indiscriminate removal of vegetation along the riverbanks. The group also noted that a comprehensive plantation plan for the river is yet to be developed. In its recent report submitted to the commission, the committee shared observations based on field visits, meetings with officials, and information provided by the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) and other stakeholders. The report highlighted issues related to vegetation loss and riverbank stabilisation. It pointed out that vegetation had been unnecessarily removed from several areas along the riverbanks, even where there were no signs of debris or solid waste. This removal has resulted in steep to vertical slopes, making the banks vulnerable to erosion during the monsoon season. The report further noted that the clearing was carried out despite prior recommendations against disturbing such areas. A supplementary report later submitted by the group emphasized that several stretches on the eastern banks of the river had healthy vegetation and no visible debris. It recommended that these areas should remain untouched. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo At the same time, the report called for the systematic removal of invasive plant species along the river. The experts also noted the ecological importance of emergent and floating vegetation in the river, particularly for crocodile hatchlings. They advised that such vegetation should not be removed. The report added that biodiversity-rich islands have emerged in the river as a result of ongoing work and should be preserved. A high-level committee appointed by the state govt for flood mitigation in the city had earlier suggested initiating plantation efforts along the river. The GSHRC-appointed group echoed this recommendation but pointed out that, despite repeated suggestions, a scientifically designed plantation plan has yet to be prepared. The report recommended engaging an ecological consultant to develop, implement, and monitor such a plan in a systematic and scientific manner.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Vishwamitri revival must include entire floodplain: Experts
Vadodara: The Gujarat State Human Rights Commission (GSHRC) appointed a five-member expert committee to oversee and advise on the restoration of the Vishwamitri river. The experts emphasized that work on the river should extend beyond its banks to include the entire floodplain. The commission tasked the group with submitting regular progress reports. Since then, the experts have been conducting site visits, meeting with officials, and offering recommendations regarding the project. The committee includes environmentalist Rohit Prajapati; environmental and urban planner Neha Sarwate; zoologist Ranjitsinh Devkar; botanist Jitendra Gavali; and architect and urban planner Mitesh Panchal. In their initial and supplementary reports, the experts noted that current activities along the riverbanks should be seen as preliminary steps toward fulfilling the National Green Tribunal's directives on the Vishwamitri river. They highlighted that the river's floodplain encompasses vital ecological features such as ravines, wetlands and oxbow lakes. The reports observed that the current focus appears to be primarily on the removal of silt and soil. While acknowledging the importance of this task over time, the experts cautioned that such soil plays a crucial role in maintaining the river's ecological health and integrity. They stressed that the removal of debris and municipal solid waste should take precedence, as these are major pollutants that hinder the river system's functionality. Several areas along the river still contain such waste. The reports also addressed delays in the project, attributing them to setbacks in securing permissions, finalizing tenders, and implementing work on the ground. These delays, the experts concluded, have contributed to compromises and shortcomings in the project's progress. Sewage contamination takes a backseat While flood mitigation has remained the primary focus of the Vishwamitri river project, the issue of sewage pollution appears to have been largely overlooked. According to the expert committee appointed by the Gujarat State Human Rights Commission, the discharge of untreated and partially treated sewage into the river has not been adequately addressed in the context of its rejuvenation. The report further states that directives issued by the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal are not being implemented in letter and spirit. Bridges identified as major bottlenecks The expert committee's reports revealed that the re-sectioning and desilting activities have exposed two existing bridges as significant bottlenecks in the river's flow. These include the old bridge near Siddharth Bungalows in Sama and the Kala Ghoda Bridge. The reports also highlight how ongoing infrastructure projects — such as those by the National Highways Authority of India and the Bullet Train project — have created obstructions within the riverine zone and disrupted natural stormwater drainage paths.
Indian Express
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Lack of primary facilities in Punagam: Gujarat Human Rights Commission directs SMC Commissioner to attend June 26 hearing
The Gujarat State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has directed Surat Municipal Commissioner Shalini Agrawal to remain present, in person or virtually, on June 26 as a petition filed by a social worker — claiming rights violation over non-provision of primary facilities to residents of Punagam area — is heard. On the directions, SMC Commissioner Agarwal said, 'We have come across the directive from the State Human Rights Commission. We are preparing the data of the work done by us.' Punagam was incorporated into the municipal corporation limits in 2006. As per the petition filed by a social worker from the area, Kuldeep Gohil, a town planning scheme for the area was laid out in 2019. The petitioner said that according to the scheme, the SMC was supposed to provide 'urinal blocks, government schools, community hall, Shishu Kunj (play area for children), Shanti Kunj (parks for the elderly), vegetable markets'. 'The citizens had complained to the local councillors, municipal commissioner, and chief minister over the lack of provisions,' the petitioner said. The petition further adds, 'As per sections 68 and 69 of the Town Planning Act, the ruling party and civic organisation have to provide basic facilities, but they failed to do so. The roads are not up to the plan at block no. 443 and 446. There are encroachments on different roads.' Punagam, which is represented by around eight corporators, had a majority of BJP councillors. But after the 2015 Patidar quota agitation, the Congress leaders earned a majority. In the last municipal election, the seats were won by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders. The area is dominated by the Patidar population, hailing from different districts in Saurashtra who settled in Surat and are into diamond trade, textiles, and embroidery industries. Lack of basic facilities has remained a constant pet peeve here. Taking up the issue, Gohil had filed a petition against SMC with the Gujarat State Human Rights Commission (GSHRC) on March 21 this year. Gohil told The Indian Express, 'I am resident of Punagam ward no. 17. Till date, no primary works like library, vegetable market, Shishu Kunj (children play garden), Shanti Kunj (elderly people garden), community hall and other basic facilities have been not developed by SMC, as per the plan. The roads are quite narrow and have not been widened. We have complained regularly to the SMC Varachha East zone. But nothing has been done. Apart from this, there are five reservation plots of SMC, which have been given to private people who run a food court, and SMC generates good revenue from it.' Payal Sakariya, AAP councillor from Ward no. 16, Punagam West, said, 'We have been regularly raising the issue about basic and other facilities to be provided by SMC in the area, to the citizens of Punagam area, but no action is taken. In the final TP of 20 in Punagam, the roads are narrow, and the population is over 1.50 lakh. There are over 150 residential societies (each society has over 200 houses with multiple floors). As per TP scheme rules, along with basic facilities like water, roads, drainage, etc., SMC has to provide other facilities which the civic organisation has failed to do.' Commenting on the issue, Vijay Panseriya, former Congress corporator Punagam East, said, 'The reason behind inadequate facilities is political enmity. After the area had been added to the SMC limit, BJP candidates were elected till 2015. During the Patidar movement, the voters switched over to Congress in the 2015 municipal election, and for the first time, Congress candidates won our ward. In 2021, AAP candidates won in this ward.' Surat Municipal Corporation Varachha A zone executive engineer Karan Bhavsar told The Indian Express, 'I am new to this zone. We have provided water, drainage roads, electricity and other facilities.'
