State Human Rights Commission directs authorities to uphold environmental rights in Vadodara's Vishwamitri River Project

By A Representative

The Gujarat State Human Rights Commission (GSHRC) has ordered state and Vadodara municipal authorities to strictly comply with environmental and human rights safeguards during the Vishwamitri River Rejuvenation Project, stressing that the river’s degradation disproportionately affects marginalized communities and violates citizens’ rights to a healthy environment.

The Commission mandated an immediate halt to ecologically destructive practices, rehabilitation of affected communities, transparent adherence to National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders, and public consultations with experts and residents.

The order follows the Concerned Citizens of Vadodara coalition—environmentalists, ecologists, and urban planners—submitting a detailed letter to authorities, amplifying calls for accountability. The group warned that current plans to “re-section” and “desilt” the river contradict the NGT’s 2021 Vishwamitri River Action Plan, which prioritizes floodplain demarcation, systemic waste removal, and ecological restoration over structural interventions.

The letter highlighted 14 floodplain locations, including Sama Motnath Bridge and Kala Ghoda Bridge, that remain clogged with hazardous debris despite repeated Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) notices since 2017. It also emphasized risks to Schedule 1 species like crocodiles and Indian Softshell Turtles, urging safe rescue protocols, habitat preservation, and eco-sensitive practices such as manual excavation in fragile zones and stabilizing riverbanks with bamboo fences.

The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) faced criticism for past “tokenistic” efforts, including partial debris removal that failed to address systemic pollution. The citizens’ letter referenced a 2017 Supreme Court directive and a 2002 Gujarat High Court order, cautioning that non-compliance could lead to contempt charges.

With the project set to begin in soon, pressure mounts on authorities to balance flood mitigation with ecological preservation. The coalition has offered to collaborate on a phased action plan, stressing transparency and independent monitoring. As of now, the VMC, GPCB, and State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) have not issued official responses.

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