A Lifeline's Plea: Bombay High Court Demands Real Expertise to Rescue Ulhas River

It’s no secret that the Ulhas River, once a vital lifeline for communities in Maharashtra, has been struggling under the relentless burden of pollution for far too long. But in a recent and rather crucial development, the Bombay High Court has stepped in, once again, to inject a much-needed dose of expertise into the ongoing efforts to save it. The court has, in no uncertain terms, mandated that the state government’s panel, tasked with tackling this environmental disaster, must now include environmental engineering experts. Frankly, it's about time we brought in the specialized big guns for such a complex problem.

You see, the Maharashtra government had already set up a committee, composed of representatives from various key departments – think the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), MMRDA, the state water resources, industries, and environment departments. And while that sounds comprehensive on paper, the High Court bench, comprising Justices Nitin Jamdar and Abhay Ahuja, observed a glaring omission. The existing lineup, though well-intentioned and administratively sound, crucially lacked the hands-on technical prowess of environmental engineers. It’s like having a great team to build a bridge, but forgetting to include the structural engineers who actually know how to make it stand!

Acting on a public interest litigation filed by the environmental NGO Vanashakti, the court wasn't mincing words. It emphatically directed the government to swiftly incorporate at least two environmental engineering experts. And these aren't just any experts; they need to hail from institutions of repute, such as the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI), or the National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE). The logic here is crystal clear: while departmental officials can identify problems and manage policies, it’s the environmental engineers who are equipped with the specialized knowledge to design practical, sustainable solutions – from wastewater treatment plants to industrial effluent management strategies. They understand the chemistry, the hydrology, the nitty-gritty details that make all the difference.

This reinforced panel now has a tight schedule ahead of it. The court has given them two weeks to convene their first meeting, signaling an urgent push. Following that, they are expected to present their initial report, detailing proposed measures to prevent further pollution and restore the river, within a brisk six-week timeframe. There's truly no time to waste, given the critical condition of the Ulhas River and its connected water bodies.

It’s worth remembering that this isn't a new battle for the High Court. For over fifteen years, dating back to 2006, the court has been diligently monitoring the severe pollution plaguing not just the Ulhas River, but also the Waldhuni River and Thane Creek. The root causes are, regrettably, multi-faceted and persistent: unchecked industrial discharge, the constant flow of domestic sewage, and the alarming accumulation of solid waste have collectively turned these once-pristine waterways into little more than open sewers in many stretches. It’s a systemic problem that requires systemic, and now, expert-driven solutions.

Indeed, the court has taken action before. In 2022, it ordered the formation of a monitoring committee and directed the MPCB to crack down on polluting industries. Even a major polluter like Century Rayon's chemical plant, though now reportedly closed, has been part of this long narrative of environmental degradation. With senior advocate Mihir Desai serving as the amicus curiae, tirelessly assisting the court, this latest directive to include specialized environmental engineering expertise feels like a pivotal moment. It’s a clear recognition that generalized efforts, while commendable, often fall short without the precise, scientific input needed to truly turn the tide. Hopefully, this move marks a genuine turning point for the Ulhas River, allowing it to finally breathe again.