Darbhanga's Water Crisis and Legal Action

Summary of Key Facts and Developments in Darbhanga, Bihar

Historical Context

• Pond Count Decline: Darbhanga, once known as the ‘city of ponds’ with over 350 ponds until 1969, now has fewer than 100 remaining.
• Groundwater Crisis: The depleting groundwater levels have led to difficulties for residents in accessing water, particularly during summer months.

Current Situation

• Encroachment Issues: The remaining ponds are reportedly being filled and built over for urban development (houses, hotels, hospitals, coaching institutes).
• Citizen Group: Talab Bachao Abhiyan (TBA), a citizen group formed in 2012, is actively campaigning to protect these water bodies.

Government Initiatives

• Beautification Plan: The Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (BUIDCO) has a ₹70.34-crore plan for rejuvenating three historically interconnected ponds (Harahi, Dighi, Gangasagar) over 1.8 km.
• Supreme Court Involvement: TBA petitioned the Supreme Court for restoration instead of beautification. The Court has temporarily halted the beautification plan and emphasized that ponds cannot be encroached upon.

Judicial Actions

• Supreme Court Ruling: On July 28, the Supreme Court received an undertaking from the Bihar government to stop soil dumping in the three ponds. The next hearing is scheduled for September 7.
• National Green Tribunal (NGT) Compliance: TBA alleges that the beautification plan violates the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, and directives from the NGT.

Environmental Impact

• Ecological Importance of Ponds: Ponds serve as natural water storage, aiding groundwater recharge and flood moderation. Filling them reduces their ecological function, leading to increased reliance on borewells.
• Expert Opinion: Ashok Kumar Ghosh, former chairman of the State Pollution Control Board, emphasizes that filled ponds disrupt natural recharge systems.

Community Activism

• TBA Activities: TBA has organized multiple protests, rallies, and campaigns to raise awareness and push for legal action against encroachments.
• Safety Concerns: Activists have faced threats; one member reported a “murderous attack” for opposing encroachments.

Government Response

• Reallocation of Funds: The State Urban Development and Housing Department has stated that funds for the beautification plan will be redirected if necessary to ensure they are not wasted.

Future Directions

• Digital Inventory of Wetlands: Supreme Court and NGT have mandated the creation of a comprehensive digital inventory of ponds and wetlands in Bihar, which will aid in conservation efforts.

This summary highlights the critical issues surrounding water resource management, environmental conservation, and community activism in Darbhanga, Bihar. The ongoing judicial proceedings and government responses reflect the importance of protecting ecological systems while addressing urban development needs.