Madhya Pradesh to form task force to clean Kanh & other rivers

INDORE: Four rivers of Madhya Pradesh-Chambal, Kshipra, Kanh and Betwa- have been specifically shortlisted by National Green Tribunal as most polluted ones of the state and will be taken up for cleaning on ‘war footing’.

For this purpose, state government has directed for formation of Special Environment Surveillance Task Force in Indore, Ujjain, Vidisha and Raisen districts through which the most polluted stretches of these four rivers pass.

Among them, Chambal, Kanh and Kshipra have been classified in priority I category, while Betwa is listed in priority II.

The SESTF in Ujjain will be formed for both Chambal and Kshipra, whereas there will be one joint task force of Vidisha and Raisen for cleaning of Betwa.

The task force will have a representative appointed by collector, SP or DIG or police, regional officer of pollution control board and representative of district and session judge. The task force will also ensure that no illegal mining takes place in river beds.

A River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC) has also been directed to be formed at state level. Officials from environment department, urban development department, industries department and member secretary of State Pollution Control Board will be its members.

The RRC will prepare an action plan within two months for making all the polluted river stretches fit for at least bathing purposes, within six months from the date of finalization of the action plan.

The action plan will include identification of polluting sources, quantification and characterization of solid waste, channelization, treatment, utilization and disposal of treated domestic sewage. It will address issues related to groundwater extraction, adopting good irrigation practices, protection and management of Flood Plain Zones (FPZ), rain water harvesting, groundwater charging, maintaining minimum environmental flow of river and plantation on both sides of the river.

Setting up of biodiversity parks on flood plains by removing encroachment shall also be considered as an important component for river rejuvenation. The NGT has referred to model action plan made for Hindon river by Central Pollution Control Board.