MoEF tells HC it is framing guidelines to manage riverbeds

The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has informed the Bombay High Court that it was framing guidelines to look into management of riverbeds and floodplains in the country.
A committee has been formed in March this year to "suggest a way forwad which would apply to all the rivers in the country," MoEF said yesterday in an affidavit filed in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Vanshakti, an NGO.
The draft guidelines had been prepared and were in the process of finalisation, said the affidavit filed by B B Barman, a Director in MoEF.
"The agreed draft guidelines and notifications would thereafter be sent to the state government concerned for their consideration and comments. Based on the comments of the state government, the ministry will decide the further course of action," the affidavit said.

The government pleader, representing the Centre, said that the process was underway and it would take some time as there was a need to involve the state governments.
The PIL sought measures for preserving riverbeds, preventing construction near the riverbeds and treated sewage being released into the rivers.
The petitioner sought two weeks time to respond to MoEF's affidavit and the matter was adjourned till November 22.