The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has expressed grave concerns over escalating pollution in the Ganga River in Bihar, citing that the water quality remains unsafe even for bathing. The tribunal criticized the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) for failing to take meaningful action to address the crisis, emphasizing that its efforts have been limited to holding meetings and writing letters.
In an order dated November 25, the NGT bench, led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, noted that Bihar generates an estimated 1,100 million liters of sewage daily. However, the state’s sewage treatment plants (STPs) collectively handle only 343 million liters per day, leaving over 750 million liters of untreated waste flowing directly into the Ganga. Furthermore, out of eight operational STPs in the state, six were found to be non-compliant with quality standards.
The tribunal denounced NMCG’s lack of strict measures, stating that the organization failed to enforce compliance with environmental directives despite the alarming situation. It directed NMCG’s executive director to submit a fresh affidavit detailing specific remedial steps. Additionally, the tribunal included Bihar’s Principal Secretary for Environment as a respondent to ensure accountability.
Highlighting the seriousness of the issue, the NGT referred to earlier reports that flagged the presence of faecal coliform and other contaminants in Ganga’s waters, rendering it unfit for bathing at most locations in Bihar. The bench warned that failure to address the issue promptly could lead to severe repercussions, including a demand for the personal appearance of state officials.
The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for March 18, 2024.
(By Ankita Singh, Web Team at C6N)
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