Punjab and Haryana High Court allows Punjab govt’s e-auction for river desilting, warns compliance with central rules
PTC Web Desk: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has given the green signal to the Punjab Government’s proposed e-auction for desilting rivers, but issued a strict caution that all actions must be carried out in accordance with rules set by the Central Government.
Earlier, during a hearing on a public interest litigation (PIL) filed against the desilting auction, the Punjab Government had assured the court on August 1 that no further steps would be taken until the next hearing. However, the state later sought permission to proceed, citing urgent circumstances.
The Advocate General of Punjab informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court that after the recent large-scale flooding, the situation in the state has become critical, making desilting of rivers an immediate necessity. Following this submission, the High Court permitted the government to move forward with e-auctioning but stressed that all activities must adhere strictly to environmental regulations.
The PIL, filed by petitioner Sahajpreet Singh, alleged that under the garb of desilting, the state was actually promoting large-scale mining in the Sutlej and Ravi rivers. The petition also claimed that no environmental clearance or approval from the Punjab Pollution Control Board had been obtained. The petitioner further argued that the desilting area earmarked by the government included not only riverbeds but also adjoining agricultural land, potentially threatening farmlands.
Another contention raised was that desilting during the monsoon season is prohibited under law, yet the Punjab Government was attempting to push ahead despite this restriction.
After hearing both sides, the High Court allowed the government to conduct the e-auction for desilting, subject to compliance with central guidelines. The next hearing on the matter has been adjourned to October 28.
- PTC NEWS
