Why is there no action in Gujarat against industrial discharge of untreated effluents? Ask environmentalists

Counterview Desk
Senior environmentalists of the Paryavaran Suraksha Samiti (PSS), Vadodara, have asked the secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change(MoEFCC), Government of India, to provide information as to under which environment law the effluent treatment plants at Gujarat’s different industrial hugs – Vapi, Ankleshwar, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad – are “allowed” to discharge their allegedly polluted waters.
Posted on Wednesday, the letter, written by Rohit Prajapati and Krishnakant, cite four studies which prove effluent treatment plants, jointly operated by the Gujarat government and industrial associations of the industrial hubs, are discharging untreated effluents.
The letter states, the first one is an April 2008 study by the Department of Water Resources Development and Management, IIT, Roorkee, “Residual Life Assessment Study of Effluent Channel”, provides physical condition of the effluent channel carrying industrial effluents from Vadodara to Mahi estuary, leading to groundwater contamination.
The second one is a Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) study of February 2010, “Report on Effluent Conveyance System for Nandesari Industrial Area and Industries Located near Vadodara, Gujarat”, which, the letter says, highlights “the grim situation due to industrial pollution in the area.”
Then, in September 2011, the Institute of Seismological Research, Department of Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat, came out with a report regarding ground water pollution, exposing the extent of damage done due to industrial pollution in and around Luna village.
And the last one is the “Ground Water Pollution in Luna, Dudhawada, Piludara Area Near Vadodara, Gujarat”, July 2016.
Pointing out that these are “sufficient evidences to take immediate action”, the letter says, each of the studies “recommends immediate-, short-, and long-term remedial measures and also the adoption of the Polluter Pay Principle, laid down by the Supreme Court of India.”
Pointing to the Effluent Channel Project (ECP) of Vadodara, which passes through 24 villages’ prime agricultural land, also known as the vegetable basket of Gujarat, the letter says, “The 55.6 km long effluent channel was commissioned in the year of 1983 to carry ‘treated’ industrial effluent from industries near Vadodara to estuary of River Mahi, Gulf of Cambay.”
“It carries the effluent of Nandesari Industrial Estate and Vadodara Industrial Complex. Since 2004 the villages have experienced ground water contamination at alarming rates. The pollution began because of the seepage, leaching, leaking and overflowing of effluents”, and “illegal untreated effluent discharged by number of polluting industries which were established 1995 onwards.”
Accusing the MoEFCC of “inaction”, the letter states, “We ask you to respect environmental laws. Any action to contrary will be tantamount to committing an extra-legal act akin to an 'encounter’ of environment laws”, adding, “Nobody, not even the GPCB, nor the industrialists, have denied that the groundwater is severely contaminated and contamination is spreading in different areas.”
The letter underlines, “There are a number of farmers who had been practicing organic farming (i.e. without the use of chemical pesticides and chemical fertilizers) but because of the groundwater pollution they are not in the position to claim their agriculture produce as organic.”
“The farmers who are affected by groundwater contamination and pollution have not been compensated in terms of money”, the letter points out, demanding, the effluent treatment plants’ Consolidated Consent and Authorization should be cancelled.

Comments

Academics urge Azim Premji University to drop FIR against Student Reading Circle

By A Representative A group of academics and civil society members has issued an open letter to the leadership of Azim Premji University expressing concern over the filing of a police complaint that led to an FIR against a student-run reading circle following a recent incident of violence on campus. The signatories state that they hold the university in high regard for its commitment to constitutional values, critical inquiry and ethical public engagement, and argue that it is precisely because of this reputation that the present development is troubling.

'Policy long overdue': Coalition of 29 experts tells JP Nadda to act on SC warning label order

By A Representative In a significant development for public health, the Supreme Court of India has directed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to seriously consider implementing mandatory front-of-pack warning labels on pre-packaged food products. The order, passed by a bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan on February 10, 2026, comes as the Court expressed dissatisfaction with the regulatory body's progress on the issue.

UAPA action against Telangana activist: Criminalising legitimate democratic activity?

By A Representative The National Investigation Agency's Hyderabad branch has issued notices to more than ten individuals in Telangana in connection with FIR No. RC-04/2025. Those served include activists, former student leaders, civil rights advocates, poets, writers, retired schoolteachers, and local leaders associated with the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Indian National Congress.

Vaccination vs screening: Policy questions raised on cervical cancer strategy

By A Representative A public policy expert has written to Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda raising a series of concerns regarding the national Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign launched on February 28 for 14-year-old girls.

The new anti-national certificate: If Arundhati Roy is the benchmark, count me in

By Dr. Mansee Bal Bhargava* Dear MANIT Alumni Network Committee, “Are you anti-national?” I encountered this fascinating—some may say intimidating—question from an elderly woman I barely know, an alumna of Maulana Azad College of Technology (MACT, now Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology - MANIT), Bhopal, and apparently one of the founders of the MACT (now MANIT) Alumni Network. The authority with which she posed the question was striking. “How much anti-national are you? What have you done for the Alumni Network Committee to identify you as anti-national?” When I asked what “anti-national” meant to her and who was busy certifying me as such, the response came in counter-questions.

Minority concerns mount: RTI reveals govt funded Delhi religious meet in December

By Syed Ali Mujtaba* Indian Muslims have expressed deep concern over what they describe as rising hate speech and hostility against their community under the BJP-led government in India. A recent flashpoint was the event organised by Sanatan Sanstha titled “Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav” in New Delhi on 13–14 December 2025.

Buddhist shrines were 'massively destroyed' by Brahmanical rulers: Historian DN Jha

Nalanda mahavihara By Rajiv Shah Prominent historian DN Jha, an expert in India's ancient and medieval past, in his new book , "Against the Grain: Notes on Identity, Intolerance and History", in a sharp critique of "Hindutva ideologues", who look at the ancient period of Indian history as "a golden age marked by social harmony, devoid of any religious violence", has said, "Demolition and desecration of rival religious establishments, and the appropriation of their idols, was not uncommon in India before the advent of Islam".

Development vs community: New coal politics and old conflicts in Madhya Pradesh

By Deepmala Patel* The Singrauli region of Madhya Pradesh, often described as “India’s energy capital,” has for decades been a hub of coal mining and thermal power generation. Today, the Dhirouli coal mine project in this district has triggered widespread protests among local communities. In recent years, the project has generated intense controversy, public opposition, and significant legal and social questions. This is not merely a dispute over one mine; it raises a larger question—who pays the price for energy development? Large corporate beneficiaries or the survival of local communities?

From neglect to progress: The story of Ranavara’s community-led development

By Bharat Dogra Visitors to Ranavara, a remote village in Kherwara block of Udaipur district, are often surprised by its multi-dimensional progress. The village today is known for its impressive school building, regenerated pastures, expanded tree cover, and extensive water conservation and supply works. These achievements are the outcome of sustained community efforts over several years, demonstrating how small, consistent initiatives can lead to significant change.

Search This Blog