Appoint expert body to look into water schemes: Bombay High Court

The Bombay High Court on Monday asked the state government to appoint an expert committee by the end of this month to look into the possible ecological impact of water management schemes initiated by the state. A report is being sought to ascertain if the implementation of the Jalyukta Shivar Scheme and the River Rejuvenation Scheme can cause large scale destruction of the eco-system.

A division bench of Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Anuja Prabhudessai had in December last year asked the government to consider forming an expert committee or refer the matter to an existing committee to study the grievances raised by the petitioner, noted economist Professor HM Desarda. The court also suggested that Desarda be made part of the expert committee or be given a chance to voice his concerns.

Desarda had raised concerns that the two schemes are being implemented in an unscientific manner. He pointed out that arbitrary implementation of the Jalyukta Shivar scheme was leading to destruction of water tables, and large pools of stagnant water could have an adverse impact on ecology. Moreover, the government has not prepared a master plan to create a drought-free state.

The court, while directing the government to take a relook at the two schemes, also said, "There is no overall and comprehensive policy decision taken by the government on implementation of the two schemes. If the petitioner is right, implemention of the schemes in an unscientific manner may be drastic and devastating."