Take steps for protection of floodplains: NGT to Punjab Chief Secretary

Harshraj Singh

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, May 27

Following a petition filed against the proposed amendment to the Master Plan of Ludhiana for developing a modern industrial park near Mattewara Forest and Sutlej, the NGT has given directions to the Chief Secretary, Punjab, in coordination with the River Rejuvenation Committee to take remedial action as may be necessary for the protection of floodplains.

Raising voice against the proposed modern industrial park near the river and forest, four residents Kapil Dev, Gagnish Singh Khurana, Kuldeep Singh Khaira and Mohit Jain had moved the NGT. They alleged that the proposed industrial park was going to be set up in violation of the Forest (Conservation) Act (FC Act), 1980, (EP Act), and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (EP Act).

One of the applicants, Kapil Dev, had stated that the modern industrial park was going to be developed on the land coming under the floodplains and surrounded by deemed forest and Sutlej river, which are eco-sensitive zones. The applicants claimed that the area is a ‘no manufacturing zone’ as per the existing Master Plan.

“The Mattewara Reserve Forest area has also been developed as a botanical and butterfly garden (BBG, Mattewara). Thus, there is a serious threat to rare species of flora due to the development in the area”, the applicants stated.

The applicants have also presented some documents regarding the width of the floodplains and stated that heavy flood had occurred in Mattewara and nearby areas in 1988. Earlier also, they had filed objections to the department concerned against the proposed amendment to the Master Plan.

The applicants alleged that an industrial park is ill-advised on a river floodplain.

They said, “Damage to the floodplains harms the riverine ecosystem, lessens the groundwater recharge capacity and poses threats of flash floods. Ludhiana is a critically polluted area. The industrial park in the district will only add to the pollution of the city.”

An applicant, Gagnish Singh Khurana, claimed: “We came to know that a large part of the land near the industrial park that has to developed is floodplains. The proposed industrial park adjoining the Dhusi Bundh is against the Environmental Protection Act, 1986.”

The Bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel said: “We have considered the matter and heard the applicant no. 1 in person. There is no doubt about the need for protecting the floodplains of the Sutlej in Ludhiana as well as the forest areas, in accordance with provisions of the EP Act and the FC Act. This Tribunal has already issued directions for protection of floodplain zones which is necessary for protection of the environment.”

The NGT Bench directed the Chief Secretary, Punjab, in coordination with the River Rejuvenation Committee to take such remedial action as may be necessary for the protection of the floodplains.

“Protection of forests is covered by the statutory mandate of the FC Act and no non-forest activity is allowed in the forest area without statutory clearances, there is no reason to presume that the said mandate will be ignored. Let the authorities concerned look into this aspect and take further action as per law,” the Bench said.

For the rejuvenation of 351 polluted river stretches in the country, the NGT had earlier directed constitution of “River Rejuvenation Committees” (RRCs) in all states/UTs to prepare and execute action plans, which includes protection of floodplain zones. The Sutlej is one of such 351 polluted river stretches.

The applicants claimed that the industrial park near the Sutlej and the forest is going to be developed on 955.67 acres of land.