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

Countrywide protest by gig workers puts spotlight on algorithmic exploitation

By A Representative A nationwide protest led largely by women gig and platform workers was held across several states on February 3, with the Gig & Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) claiming the mobilisation as a success and a strong assertion of workers’ rights against what it described as widespread exploitation by digital platform companies. Demonstrations took place in Delhi, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra and other states, covering major cities including New Delhi, Jaipur, Bengaluru and Mumbai, along with multiple districts across the country.

Swami Vivekananda's views on caste and sexuality were 'painfully' regressive

By Bhaskar Sur* Swami Vivekananda now belongs more to the modern Hindu mythology than reality. It makes a daunting job to discover the real human being who knew unemployment, humiliation of losing a teaching job for 'incompetence', longed in vain for the bliss of a happy conjugal life only to suffer the consequent frustration.

Budget 2026 focuses on pharma and medical tourism, overlooks public health needs: JSAI

By A Representative Jan Swasthya Abhiyan India (JSAI) has criticised the Union Budget 2026, stating that it overlooks core public health needs while prioritising the pharmaceutical industry, private healthcare, medical tourism, public-private partnerships, and exports related to AYUSH systems. In a press note issued from New Delhi, the public health network said that primary healthcare services and public health infrastructure continue to remain underfunded despite repeated policy assurances.

'Gandhi Talks': Cinema that dares to be quiet, where music, image and silence speak

By Vikas Meshram In today’s digital age, where reels and short videos dominate attention spans, watching a silent film for over two hours feels almost like an act of resistance. Directed by Kishor Pandurang Belekar, “Gandhi Talks” is a bold cinematic experiment that turns silence into language and wordlessness into a powerful storytelling device. The film is not mere entertainment; it is an experience that pushes the viewer inward, compelling reflection on life, values, and society.

Penpa Tsering’s leadership and record under scrutiny amidst Tibetan exile elections

By Tseten Lhundup* Within the Tibetan exile community, Penpa Tsering is often described as having risen through grassroots engagement. Born in 1967, he comes from an ordinary Tibetan family, pursued higher education at Delhi University in India, and went on to serve as Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile from 2008 to 2016. In 2021, he was elected Sikyong of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), becoming the second democratically elected political leader of the administration after Lobsang Sangay.

The Epstein shock, global power games and India’s foreign policy dilemma

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat* The “Epstein” tsunami has jolted establishments everywhere. Politicians, bureaucrats, billionaires, celebrities, intellectuals, academics, religious gurus, and preachers—all appear to be under scrutiny, even dismantled. At first glance, it may seem like a story cutting across left, right, centre, Democrats, Republicans, socialists, capitalists—every label one can think of. Much of it, of course, is gossip, as people seek solace in the possible inclusion of names they personally dislike.

Silencing the university: How fear is replacing debate in academic India

By Sunil Kyumar* “Republic Day is a powerful symbol of our freedom, Constitution, and democratic values. This festival gives us renewed energy and inspiration to move forward together with the resolve of nation-building”, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 26, 2026. On this occasion, the Prime Minister also shared a Sanskrit subhashita— “Paratantryābhibhūtasya deśasyābhyudayaḥ kutaḥ. Ataḥ svātantryamāptavyaṁ aikyaṁ svātantryasādhanam.”

Harsh Mander moves police over Assam CM’s remarks on Bengali-speaking Muslims

By A Representative Peace and justice worker and writer Harsh Mander has filed a police complaint against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over public statements made on January 27 at an official event in Digboi, Tinsukia district, alleging that the remarks promote hatred, harassment and discrimination against Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam.

Advisor appointment rekindles debate on governance in Jammu & Kashmir

By Raqif Makhdoomi* The government in Jammu and Kashmir has completed approximately one and a half years in office. During the initial phase of its tenure, public expectations were shaped by commitments made during the election campaign. In particular, the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, stated at a press conference held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) that major promises would be addressed within the first six months of governance. As the government has now crossed two such six-month periods, public discourse continues to assess the extent to which these commitments have been met.

Search This Blog