River protection directions require removal of illegal units, control of pollution, and prevention of fresh encroachments.

Mandatory public-law directions were issued for protection and coordinated restoration of the Mithi River after material showed pollution, encroachments, dumping, diversion of flow, and unlawful activity along the riverbank. The Court required the concerned authorities to identify illegal and unlicensed commercial units, serve notices, pass reasoned orders in accordance with law, monitor daily discharge and dumping, and prosecute offenders under the environmental laws referred to in the order. It also directed prevention of fresh encroachments and new industrial activity on the riverbank, restricted new industrial licences without leave of the Court, and required sanitation facilities to curb misuse of the riverbanks.

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Issues: Whether directions were warranted for identification of illegal units, prevention of pollution and encroachments, and coordinated revival of the Mithi River in public interest.

Analysis: On the comprehensive action plan placed before it, the Court found that the river had suffered pollution and degeneration because of discharge of effluents, dumping, encroachments, diversions, and other unlawful activities. In view of the material and the absence of objection from the parties, the Court issued detailed directions requiring the concerned authorities to identify illegal and unlicensed commercial units on the riverbanks, issue notices, pass reasoned orders in accordance with law, check daily discharge and dumping, prosecute offenders under the environmental laws referred to in the order, prevent new encroachments and industrial activity on the riverbank, restrict new industrial licences without leave of the Court, and ensure sanitation facilities to prevent misuse of the riverbanks.

Conclusion: The relief was granted in favour of the petitioner by issuing mandatory directions to the public authorities for protection, restoration, and regulation of the river.

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