PIL AGAINST DEPLETING UNDER GROUND WATER:- Chd-September 12th-Punjab attempts to wriggle out of its undertaking to stop construction of buildings in “Notified Blocks” by using under-ground water: In the PIL filed by Advocate H.C. Arora, seeking restraint against State of Punjab against utilizing the under ground water, in all Blocks which have been declared as “notified areas” by the Central Ground Water Board, in the State of Punjab, the Punjab Government has filed an affidavit of Priyank Bharti, Special Secretary, Department of Local Government. In its affidavit, Priyank Bharti, has given a schedule of dates by which 38 Sewage Treatment Plants would be set up/completed in various Blocks. A perusal of the said list shows that the Punjab Government will complete these 38 Sewage Treatment Plants during the period between 30.9.2014 to 30.6.2015. Besides, it has been pleaded in the affidavit that even in the Blocks which have been categorized as “critical areas” by Central Ground Water Board also, the Guidelines of the Board permit ‘withdrawl of under ground water to the extent of 50% of ground water re-charge”. The petitioner, who appeared in person, strongly protested against the conduct of State of Punjab, and argued that the Government is trying to wriggle out of its undertakings and affidavits, wherein it had assured that Government shall not permit the use of under ground water for construction activity in any of the “notified areas”, and that only water treated by Sewage Treatment Plants shall be utilized for such construction work. The petitioner also alleged that the affidavit of Priyank Bharti does not address the real issues. He argued that out of 38 Blocks, where the State Government is proposing to set up Sewage Treatment Plants, only 6 or 7 Blocks fall under “notified areas” so declared by the Board. The State Government is, therefore, not serious in implementing its undertaking given in the HC. He stated that at present there are 45 Blocks falling under “notified areas”, where the Government is bound by its own affidavit to ensure supply of water treated at Sewage Treatment Plants for construction work. The HC Bench, comprising ACJ Ashutosh Mohanta and H.S. Sidhu, however, adjourned the PIL to January 19th. For further proceedings. (H.C. ARORA) ADVOCATE PETITIONER IN PERSON
Posted on: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 02:46:57 +0000
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