POLLUTION IN PORBANDAR, GUJARAT : Dr. Kiran Bedi Vs Union of India & Ors. Writ Petition (Civil) No. 26/98

POLLUTION IN PORBANDAR, GUJARAT : Dr. Kiran Bedi Vs Union of India & Ors. Writ Petition (Civil) No. 26/98

Dr. Kiarn Bedi, an IPS Officer filed this Petition in public interest for the protection of the Monument at Porbander, the birthplace of the Father of the Nation. The Hon’ble Supreme Court after consideration of the submissions of the petitioner on 16.10.1998 directed the Central Pollution Control Board to submit a report about the conditions prevailing in and around the memorial built in memory of the Father of the Nation at Porbander. In its report, the Central Board was directed to furnish the report on the fish-drying activity carried on in the area surrounding the memorial as also the overall sanitary conditions prevailing in this area. The conditions of the roads leading to the memorial should also be reported. The report should indicate the specific distance from the memorial to the land or plots on which fish drying activities were carried on. The hygienic conditions around the memorial and the landing sites for the fishing vessels including the distance of the landing sites from the memorial should be reported. The Central Board was directed to suggest, in consultation with the Gujarat Maritime Board whether the landing sites for the fishing vessels could be shifted to a distance of 3 kilometres at least from the memorial and also suggest proposals for shifting of fish drying activities.

A team from the Central Board after visiting Porbander city submitted its inspection report on the status of condition of sanitation in the city, fishing activities and suggested short-term and long-term recommendations. The Hon’ble Supreme Court after examining the matter on 9.4.1999 directed that the area between Manik Chowk and Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Road should be treated as "Walking Plaza" and no vehicular traffic would be allowed on this road subject to the special permission of the S.P.(Traffic) or the Collector of the District for urgent Government works. No hawkers would also be allowed in this area. No fish drying activity would be carried out in and around an area of three kilometres from Kirti Mandir. The State of Gujarat and Municipality of Porbander should submit the progress made concerning the sewerage system. The Hon’ble Supreme Court on 19.9.2000 observed that sufficient steps were taken to protect the birthplace of Mahatama Gandhi and fishing area has been shifted to a distance of 4½ kilometres. The appropriate authority has taken steps for having the sewerage system in the city in place. In view of that, no further orders were necessary. The Writ Petition was disposed off on 9.4.1999.