The Daman Ganga River, once a vital waterway supporting the agricultural, industrial, and domestic needs of Vapi, Gujarat, now tells a different story. Its waters, once clear and life-giving, are now clouded with pollutants, marked by foul odors, and plagued by reports of declining aquatic life. The increasing pollution levels have not only raised alarm among local communities and environmentalists but have also cast a shadow on the regulatory practices of the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB). Despite numerous inspections and show cause notices, the river’s condition continues to deteriorate, indicating a potential lapse in the integrity of environmental oversight. This investigative article explores the possible reasons behind this discrepancy, shedding light on the practices of GPCB and calling for urgent action to protect this vital resource.
The Vital Role of the Daman Ganga River :
The Daman Ganga River is a crucial lifeline for the Vapi region, serving multiple functions essential to the local economy and ecology. It supports agricultural irrigation, is a source of drinking water, and sustains the livelihoods of fishermen. Moreover, it plays a critical role in maintaining regional biodiversity. However, industrialization, while boosting economic growth, has brought severe environmental challenges. The discharge of untreated or inadequately treated industrial effluents into the river has emerged as a significant threat to its health, leading to ecological degradation and posing serious risks to public health.
The Role of GPCB and Regulatory Oversight in Question :
The Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) is the statutory body entrusted with the task of monitoring and regulating pollution levels under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. GPCB’s responsibilities include conducting inspections, issuing show cause notices, and taking enforcement actions against violators to ensure compliance with environmental standards. However, the rising pollution levels in the Daman Ganga River despite these regulatory measures raise serious questions about the effectiveness of GPCB’s oversight.
Discrepancies in GPCB’s Inspection Practices
- Focus on Minor Infractions Over Major Violations
Information obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act regarding the environmental compliance of 50 industrial units in Vapi paints a troubling picture. The inspection reports and show cause notices issued by GPCB often highlight minor infractions such as poor housekeeping, faulty equipment, and procedural lapses. While these issues are not inconsequential, they pale in comparison to the critical issue of effluent discharge, which has a direct and significant impact on the river’s water quality. The emphasis on relatively minor issues creates an illusion of regulatory compliance, masking the reality of ongoing environmental harm.
- Omission of Critical Environmental Violations
Despite the visible signs of increasing pollution in the Daman Ganga River, GPCB’s inspection reports frequently omit references to violations related to effluent discharge volumes and quality. This omission raises fundamental questions about whether the inspections are genuinely capturing the full extent of environmental violations. The lack of detailed assessments of effluent discharge suggests that critical violations are either being overlooked or inadequately documented, allowing industrial units to continue polluting with minimal repercussions.
- The Risk of Selective Reporting and Corruption
The pattern of ignoring significant violations while issuing notices on less impactful issues suggests that inspections might be conducted in a manner that appears compliant on paper but fails to address real environmental concerns. This selective reporting not only undermines the regulatory framework but also raises the specter of corruption. There is a troubling possibility that GPCB officials may be influenced to overlook serious violations in exchange for personal or financial gain. Such practices, if proven, would represent a gross breach of public trust and a violation of the very principles of environmental protection.
Environmental and Public Health Implications
The consequences of ineffective regulatory oversight are far-reaching, impacting not only the environment but also public health and safety. The Daman Ganga River’s contamination poses severe risks to the local communities that rely on it. Exposure to polluted water can lead to waterborne diseases, respiratory issues, and other serious health problems. The health impacts are not limited to immediate symptoms; they can lead to long-term health complications and reduced quality of life for affected populations. Furthermore, the ecological degradation of the river disrupts the balance of the local ecosystem, threatening biodiversity and the sustainability of natural resources.
Legal and Ethical Obligations:
The GPCB, as a regulatory authority, has a legal and ethical duty to enforce environmental laws and protect public health. The apparent failure to enforce these laws effectively, and the potential complicity in allowing ongoing pollution, represent a significant breach of this duty. Environmental regulations are designed to safeguard natural resources and ensure the well-being of current and future generations. When these regulations are not enforced with integrity and diligence, the consequences are dire, and the trust in regulatory institutions is eroded.
Information obtained from the show cause notice issued by GPCB:
- “Shree Gajanan Paper & Board – Show Cause Notice Date: 27-04-2023
You have not provided water scrubber with 12 TpH Boiler or install automatic lime dosing system. You have not provided pneumatic system for conveyance of fly ash and silos for its storage. You have not installed OCEMS in the stack attached with Boiler.
- Bhageria Industries Ltd. (known As: Bhageria Dye Chem Ltd) – Show Cause Notice Date: 08-07-2024
During inspection it is observed that contaminated rainy runoff water from the storm water drain line near garden area observed going outside the unit. Check all the leakages/Cracks/seepages from the unit so that contaminated rainy runoff could not flow outside the unit and do this activity prior to monsoon season every time. Immediately repair all the leakages/cracks. Take all precautionary measures to avoid contamination of rainy runoff water from the unit in future.
- Hercules Pigments Pvt. Ltd. (Unit-2) – Show Cause Notice Date: 26-04-2024
Unit has installed 2.5 TPH Natural Gas fired Boiler without obtaining necessary amendment in CC&A.
- M/S. Pharmachem Industries (Guj.) Pvt Ltd – Show Cause Notice Date: 11-08-2023
Analysis Report of wastewater sample collected from final outlet of ETP showing COD-1462 mg/l.
- Pil Chemicals Pvt. Ltd. – Show Cause Notice Date: 22-11-2023
Unit is not maintaining inward-outward register for hazardous waste disposal. Unit is not using manifest system for the disposal of discarded drums/containers/liners.
- Gujarat Polysol Chemicals Ltd. – Show Cause Notice Date: 28-07-2023
Unit has not obtained amendment for steam procurement from M/s Vapi Eco Energy Ltd. (common Facility). Unit has not maintained record for scrubber bleed generation & its disposal detail & steam procurement detail received from M/s Vapi Eco Energy (Common Facility). Unit has not provided proper leachate collection system in Hazardous waste storage area.
- Shree Gajanan Paper & Board – Show Cause Notice Date: 30-01-2024
During inspection it is observed that unit has stored plastic waste haphazardly near ETP area and wastewater from plastic waste storage area observed going outside the premises of unit slowly-slowly from the hole observed in the wall at the backside. Provide slope of the plastic waste storage area towards ETP so that wastewater from plastic waste can be diverted to ETP. During inspection housekeeping near ETP area and near plastic waste storage area observed very poor. Flow-meter provided at reuse line observed faulty. Unit has not provided the STP for treatment of domestic wastewater. Unit shall install pneumatic system for conveyance of flyash and provide flyash silos. Unit has not installed OCEMS in the stack attached with boiler.
- Moon Dye Chem Industries (Old Name: Moon Industries) – Show Cause Notice Date: 01-02-2024
You are operating the industrial plant without a valid consent of the GPCB Board, which is a punishable offence. Therefore you are directed to apply fresh for a consolidated Consent of the Board under various provisions of the ENV Act & Rules.
- Pearl Colours Industries – Show Cause Notice Date: 12-09-2023
Tertiary ETP units are not installed as proposed by unit. Unit has not installed green display board.
- NATH INDUSTRIES LIMITED – Show Cause Notice Date: 24-01-2024
Analysis Report of sample collected from stack attached to Boiler showing SO2: 91.99 ppm, which are higher than prescribed norms.
- Chemie Synth (Vapi) Ltd. – Show Cause Notice Date: 27-04-2023
Installation of new reactors, 2 Nos. of storage tank with capacity of 20kl each, new scrubbers other than the existing scrubber and other utility is found going on in Flumethric Acid Plant. ETP units are found corroded. You have still not installed bag filter as an APCM with 2.0 TPH Boiler and continuous smoke is also observed from stack attached to Boiler. You have provided combined 2 stage alkali scrubber with reaction vessel 3kl & 5kl of DHDT plant and individual single stage alkali scrubber with 9kl reaction vessel of DHDT plant without obtaining permission from the Board.
- Hema Dyechem Pvt. Ltd. (Unit-1) – Show Cause Notice Date: 26-04-2024
The Analysis Report of the Sample collected from the stack indicates that it is NOT confirming to the tolerance limits specified in the Consent Order.
- Jay Fluoride Private Limited – Show Cause Notice Date: 07-06-2024
Unit has installed natural gas-based 1 Nos. of Tray Dryer & 1 Nos. of SFD without obtaining permission from the Board. Unit has not disposed of ETP Sludge since long.
- Modison Metal Ltd – Show Cause Notice Date: 09-02-2024
Unit has installed new chamber furnace, also carried out new building construction on plot no. 85A & B, Road No. E, Phase -1, GIDC; without obtaining necessary permission/amendment for the same.
- Modison Metal Ltd – Show Cause Notice Date: 19-05-2023
You have carried out R & D activity for product named Nickel Base Alloys without obtaining permission from the Board. You have not provided STP for treatment of generated domestic wastewater.
- Aarti Industries Limited (Nascent Division) – Show Cause Notice Date: 26-04-2024
Unit has not installed online air continuous emission monitoring system for relevant parameters in the stack attached to boilers as per CPCB Guidelines for Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems in July 2017 which is further revised in August 2018 and connect with CPCB & CPCB server.
- Orient – Show Cause Notice Date: 11-10-2023
- Rama Pulp & Paper – Show Cause Notice Date: 26-04-2023
- Revival Papers Mill Pvt. Ltd – Show Cause Notice Date: 19-02-2024
Unit has not provided a separate energy meter for APCM i.e., for ESP and water scrubber. Unit has not prepared printed certified logbook for wastewater reuse and APCM energy meter. Unit has not provided dewatering facility for plastic waste i.e., screw press. Unit has not provided dedicated storage area for generated plastic waste.
- Shri HAP Chemical Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. – Show Cause Notice Date: 12-09-2023
A.R. of the sample collected is higher than permissible limit for COD – 1402 mg/l (permissible limit – 1000 mg/l).”
These cases illustrate a pattern where significant environmental impacts are acknowledged but not adequately prioritized or addressed, raising concerns about the true effectiveness of GPCB’s enforcement strategies.
To address these concerns and restore the integrity of environmental regulation, the following actions are recommended:
- Conduct Surprise Inspections
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) should conduct surprise inspections of the industrial units in Vapi that have received notices from GPCB. These inspections should be independent and thorough, focusing on assessing effluent discharge, water quality impacts, and compliance with environmental standards. Surprise inspections are critical to catching violations that may be concealed during scheduled visits.
- Review and Audit GPCB’s Inspection Practices
A comprehensive audit of GPCB’s inspection and reporting practices is necessary to evaluate the consistency, accuracy, and thoroughness of their oversight. This audit should examine the criteria used for documenting violations, the consistency of inspection practices, and the follow-up actions taken. The goal should be to ensure that inspections are not only procedural but also effective in identifying and mitigating environmental risks.
- Implement Strong Oversight and Accountability Measures
Strict oversight mechanisms must be put in place to ensure that GPCB officials conduct their duties with the highest standards of integrity and diligence. This includes implementing measures to prevent and detect corruption, establishing clear accountability structures, and taking disciplinary action against any officials found to be complicit in overlooking or falsifying inspection results.
- Enhance Transparency and Public Reporting
Transparency is crucial for building public trust and ensuring accountability. The CPCB should mandate the public disclosure of inspection findings, compliance statuses, and enforcement actions taken against violators. Publicly accessible reports will demonstrate a commitment to enforcing environmental laws effectively and protecting the health and safety of the public and the environment.
Overall, it can be said that, the health of the Daman Ganga River and the well-being of the communities that depend on it are at stake. The selective reporting of violations and the failure to address serious environmental issues not only undermine the credibility of environmental regulation but also pose a direct threat to public health and safety. It is imperative that the Central Pollution Control Board takes immediate and decisive action to ensure that GPCB fulfills its regulatory responsibilities with integrity and effectiveness.
The future of our environment, public health, and the credibility of our regulatory institutions depend on rigorous and honest environmental governance. The senior officials of CPCB, by taking decisive action, can protect the Daman Ganga River and ensure a sustainable and healthy future for all.
