Urgent Action Required: Illegal Silica Washing Plants and Unregulated Groundwater Extraction in Bharuch District, Gujarat

Date: July 22, 2024 Bharuch District, Gujarat, is facing a severe environmental crisis. Illegal silica-washing plants and unregulated groundwater extraction are wreaking havoc on the local ecosystem and communities in Jhagadia, Valiya, and Netrang talukas. Despite numerous representations to authorities, these issues remain unresolved, demanding immediate and decisive action.

The Crisis at Hand

1. Unapproved Operations: Numerous silica washing plants are operating without the necessary approvals and permissions. These illegal operations are not only breaking laws but also endangering the environment.

2. Groundwater Depletion: The rampant use of groundwater by these plants for washing silica sand is alarming. Excessive extraction has led to the depletion of the water table, creating severe water shortages for local residents and agriculture. Shockingly, these plants are withdrawing groundwater without the mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) or the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB).

Violations and Legal Implications

1. Ignoring CGWA/CGWB Guidelines: According to the Ministry of Jal Shakti, industrial groundwater use requires prior permission. The unauthorized withdrawal of groundwater by these plants is a direct violation of these regulations, threatening the region's water security.

2. Bypassing PESA Act Provisions: The district administration has been granting non-agricultural permissions and mineral stockist registrations without the required consent from the Gram Sabha. This violates the PESA Act (Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996), which mandates Gram Sabha consultation for such activities in scheduled areas.

3. Unregulated Mining: Over 250 mineral leases, including a 350-hectare GMDC Mining lease, more than 90 stone crushers, and over 250 silica washing plants and stokist, are operating unchecked. Illegal sand mining from the Narmada riverbed is further depleting groundwater, severely impacting drinking water and irrigation.

Environmental and Community Impact

The adverse effects of silica-washing plants on the local environment are evident. Significant portions of agricultural land have become infertile due to contamination. The health and livelihood of local communities, many of whom belong to indigenous tribes, are being severely compromised.

Calls to Action

Given these pressing issues, I urge the authorities to take immediate action:

1. Ensure all silica washing plants and mining operations obtain the necessary environmental and regulatory clearances.
2. Strictly enforce the PESA Act, requiring Gram Sabha consent for non-agricultural land use and mining activities in scheduled areas.
3. Conduct a thorough investigation into unauthorized groundwater use and implement measures to restore the water table.
4. Mandate that all industrial groundwater withdrawals obtain the necessary NOC from the CGWA/CGWB.
5. Implement the Joint Committee report to regulate and monitor silica washing plants and mining activities.
6. Ensure compliance with Supreme Court directives on environmental protection and sustainable development.

Conclusion

The time for action is now. Immediate and decisive measures are essential to protect Bharuch District's environment and ensure the well-being of its residents. I urge the concerned authorities to acknowledge this complaint and inform me of the actions taken to address these critical issues.

By Smt. Rashmiben Shantilal Vasava

Executive Member, BJP Mahila Morcha Gujarat

#SaveBharuch #EnvironmentalCrisis #IllegalMining #GroundwaterDepletion #ActNow