Make interim policy to protect river beds: Bombay High Court

The Bombay High Court on Thursday suggested to the state government that it lay out an interim policy to protect rivers in Maharashtra till the Centre comes up with a river regulation policy that would protect any kind of encroachment along the river bed.

A division bench of Chief Justice Naresh Patil and Justice NM Jamadar said, "The Central government is yet to receive response from all states and union territories. Till then the policy will not be formulated. So why not the state come out with an interim policy to protect the environment and stop any encroachment along rivers?"

Advocate General Ashutosh Kumbhakoni informed the court that no development can take place along the rivers without the permission of Maharashtra Pollution Control Board. On a priority basis, the authority has undertaken survey of three rivers — Tansa, Vaitarna and Ulhas, and with the data now available, regulations will be implemented.

Senior Advocate Gayatri Singh, appearing for the petitioners NGO Vanshakti, argued that in the absence of any river regulation policy, resorts are being constructed on the river beds.