Norms being framed to manage riverbeds: MoEF to Bombay High Court

The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has informed the Bombay High Court that it is framing guidelines to look into the management of riverbeds and floodplains in the country.

An affidavit filed by the MoEF on Friday stated that a committee has been formed in March this year to "suggest a way forward which would apply to all the rivers in the country". The affidavit was filed in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by an NGO, Vanshakti.

The draft guidelines had been prepared and were in the process of finalisation, said the affidavit filed by B B Barman, a director in MoEF.

The affidavit read: "The agreed draft guidelines and notifications would thereafter be sent to the state government concerned for their consideration and comments. Based on the comments of the state government, the ministry will decide the further course of action."

The government pleader, representing the Centre, said that the process was underway and it would take some time as there was a need to involve the state governments.

The PIL sought measures for preserving riverbeds, preventing construction near the riverbeds and treated sewage being released into the rivers.

The petitioner sought two weeks time to respond to MoEF's affidavit and the matter was adjourned till November 22.