AMBERNATH, MAHARASHTRA – The long-standing battle to save Ambernath’s historic Waldhuni River has entered a new phase, as the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has begun scrutinizing a major concretization project along its banks. The work, part of a “beautification” plan, is raising alarms among environmental activists who fear it could permanently damage the river’s fragile ecosystem.
The Waldhuni, which flows past the ancient Shiv Mandir, has been plagued by industrial pollution for decades. While cleanup efforts have been sporadic, this new project involves constructing concrete embankments along the riverbed. Environmental groups argue that this “channelizing” of the river will destroy natural habitats, prevent groundwater recharge, and could worsen flooding downstream.
The NGT, India’s dedicated court for environmental cases, has taken up the issue after petitions were filed by local activists. The tribunal is questioning the Ambernath Municipal Council (AMC) on whether proper environmental impact assessments were conducted before the work began.
“You cannot save a river by encasing it in concrete,” said a local activist. “A river is a living ecosystem, not a drain. We need to stop pollution at the source and restore the natural riverbanks.” The outcome of the NBT’s hearing will be a critical moment, determining whether the Waldhuni will be restored as a natural river or turned into a concrete channel.
