The Bombay High Court has asked the State government to appoint an expert committee by the end of the month, to look into the two water management schemes initiated by it -- Jalyukta Shivar Scheme and the River Rejuvenation Scheme -- to ensure that implementation of these don’t cause large scale destruction of the ecosystem.
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 schemes to an already formed committee to study the grievances raised by the noted economist, Professor H M Desarda.
It was argued by Desarda that the two schemes were being implemented in an unscientific manner. Further, he said that arbitrary implementation of the Jalyukta Shivar scheme was leading to destruction. Moreover, the government hadn't prepared a master plan to create a drought-free state by providing planned budgetary allocation.
The Court, after going through the affidavits, had said it was not an expert in matter of water management and water conservation.
Nevertheless, the issue raised by the petitioner on the implementation of the two schemes needs to be looked into by the government, the Court said. As the ultimate aim should be creating a drought-free state, considering the fact that sufficient natural resources are available in the state.
The court, while directing the government to relook 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, implementing the schemes in unscientific manner may be drastic and devastating.
The court while suggesting the government to consider appointing a committee of experts, asked Desarda to be made part of it or give him a chance to voice his concerns.
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