HC directs notices to Kolhapur civic body, state authorities in PIL to protect & rejuvenate Panchaganga tributaries

Pune: The Kolhapur bench of the Bombay high court has directed notices to be issued to Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC) and other state authorities in a PIL seeking protection and revival of Kalamba Lake and Panchaganga tributaries Jayanti and Gomati Rivers."Issue notice to the respondents, returnable on March 5," the bench of Justice R G Avachat and Justice Ajit B Kadethankar said on Thursday after the petition filed by activist Sagar Prakash Ghorpade through advocate Sarjerao Khot came up for hearing.According to the petitioner, Jayanti and Gomati Rivers, which historically served as natural freshwater streams, have now deteriorated into wastewater-carrying nullahs. Ghorpade highlighted issues like continuous release of untreated sewage into the Kalamba Lake and degradation of Jayanti River.Ghorpade stated that Jayanti River once carried clean water from Amrut Kund near Katyayani temple, flowing into the Panchganga River. Several ancient temples and 'teerth kunds' are located along the banks of this river. He also pointed out that the Bombay Presidency Gazetteer lists the Jayanti and Gomati Rivers as natural water sources."We have sought the court's directions for an immediate halt to sewage discharge into these water bodies, setting up of an expert committee to monitor their restoration, and declaration of the lake, natural streams, and surrounding temples as Protected Heritage and Eco-sensitive Zones," Ghorpade stated. Khot said, "Apart from the KMC, the state urban development department through its principal secretary, the environment and climate change department secretary and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board are named respondents in the matter."