Jhansi District Magistrate Gaurang Rathi has constituted a multi-departmental committee to investigate allegations of encroachment, illegal construction, and pollution in the Ghurari River. This action follows directives issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
Background of the Ghurari River
The Ghurari River, a tributary of the Betwa, flows through parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. It serves as a vital water source for numerous villages along its course. The river gained national attention when Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the 114th episode of his 'Mann Ki Baat' radio program, praised the 'Jal Saheli' group of rural women volunteers in Jhansi's Babina block. These women helped revive the nearly dried-up river by restoring a damaged check dam using sand-filled sacks.
Complaints by Jal Saheli Group
The issue came to the fore months ago when members of the Jal Saheli group from Simrawari village lodged complaints with local authorities. They alleged large-scale encroachment of the riverbed and catchment area. The group claimed that illegal construction activities posed a serious threat to the river's existence and violated statutory provisions that prohibit construction within the 100-year High Flood Level (HFL) zone. Additionally, complaints were raised regarding the dumping of garbage along the riverbanks, which allegedly narrowed the river channel and affected its natural flow.
Environmental Activists Approach NGT
Subsequently, environmental activists Narendra Kushwaha and Pankaj Rawat, along with their team, approached the Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal. The petitioners alleged that encroachments, illegal constructions, dumping of soil and debris, siltation, spread of water hyacinth, and discharge of polluted water into the river had severely affected its natural flow and water-retention capacity.
NGT Directions
Taking cognisance of the matter, the NGT directed the district magistrates of Jhansi and Niwari district in Madhya Pradesh to take necessary action and address the environmental concerns raised in the petition. In compliance, Jhansi DM Gaurang Rathi has formed a multi-departmental committee to investigate the allegations and submit a report.
