Nashik Commissioner Calls for Godavari Cleanup Reports Ahead of Court Deadline
Praveen Gedam, the Nashik divisional commissioner, has taken decisive action. He chairs the High Court-appointed panel responsible for implementing environmental recommendations. Now, he has issued a clear directive to government agencies. They must file detailed reports on their progress in cleaning the Godavari River.
High Court Contempt Petition Triggers Action
This move follows a contempt petition filed by petitioner Rajesh Pandit. He approached the Bombay High Court regarding Public Interest Litigation No 176 of 2012. The court then demanded a status report from Gedam's committee. The deadline for submission is January 28.
"I asked government departments to file all action taken and status reports," Gedam stated. He referred specifically to the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute's recommendations. NEERI proposed measures to make the Godavari River pollution-free. "There are 83 different measures broadly classified across 34 government offices. I sought the report from all of them," he explained.
Multiple Agencies Face Scrutiny
A senior officer familiar with the development provided more context. "A contempt was filed in the High Court," the officer said. The petition considers the court's 2013 order. Many directed measures remain unimplemented. Some departments filed their affidavits. Many others still have not complied. The divisional commissioner called for the comprehensive report. This document must be placed before the High Court on January 28.
The contempt petition targets several government offices directly. These include:
- Nashik Municipal Corporation
- Nashik City Police
- Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation
- Groundwater Survey and Development Agency
- Other relevant departments
Key Issues in the Godavari Pollution Case
Rajesh Pandit outlined the core problems. "The NEERI recommendations focus on upgrading existing sewage treatment plants," he said. They also emphasize collecting 100% sewage through proper channels. "The issue of contempt arises because they failed to take steps in the appropriate period allowed by the High Court," Pandit clarified.
Other significant issues complicate the cleanup efforts. One involves a Common Effluent Treatment Plant. The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation must raise this CETP. An officer from the divisional commissionerate shared insights. "The work started on the CETP to treat the effluent," the officer noted. However, the orders were issued only after the complainant filed the contempt petition.
Another critical order concerns river patrolling. The High Court directed the police to deploy personnel permanently. Specifically, they ordered 4 sub-inspectors and 30 constables for this duty. Their role is to prevent Godavari pollution through constant vigilance. The police have still not replied about their compliance with these orders.
The situation remains tense as the January 28 deadline approaches. All eyes are on the government agencies to demonstrate concrete progress. The High Court expects a thorough status report. The future of the Godavari River's health depends on these actions.
