Supreme Court demands report on encroachment along Ganga & threats to Dolphins

The Supreme Court of India has directed the central and Bihar governments to submit a detailed report within four weeks on the encroachment of the Ganga’s banks, threats to dolphins, and the actions taken so far. The bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan stressed the need for clear information before issuing any final directions in the matter.

The case began with a 2020 application by Patna resident Ashok Kumar Sinha, who challenged illegal constructions along the ecologically fragile floodplains of the Ganga in Patna. These included colonies, brick kilns, and a 1.5 km road reportedly built by the Bihar government. Sinha alleged that these constructions violate the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order, 2016 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Sinha’s counsel, Akash Vashishtha, told the court that these encroachments threaten the river’s ecosystem and the Gangetic dolphin population. He also warned that Patna’s drinking water is at risk, as the groundwater is already contaminated with arsenic and the river plays a crucial role in meeting the city's water needs.

A recent survey found 151 illegal structures in the Sambalpur Diara region between Mahatma Gandhi Setu and Naujar Ghat. These included both temporary and permanent constructions. A team formed by the District Officer used survey maps from 1908–09 and 1932–33 to identify the encroachments. Authorities have filed 15 cases under the Bihar Public Land Encroachment Act, 1956.

The court asked both the state and central governments to explain which encroachments have been removed, what their action plan is, and how much time they need to clear the remaining ones. It also directed that Ashok Kumar Sinha be kept informed of the progress. The bench raised concerns about arbitrary and unscientific demarcation of floodplain areas by several Ganga basin states, warning that such practices increase the risk of environmental damage.

The court reviewed an earlier report submitted on September 18, 2023, and hinted that it may expand the scope of the case to cover floodplains across all 11 Ganga basin states. If this happens, it could become a landmark case in environmental law. Meanwhile, a dolphin survey report released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 7th meeting of the National Wildlife Board showed a decline in dolphin numbers over the past two decades, highlighting the urgent need to conserve river habitats.

Support us to keep independent environmental journalism alive in India.

Keep Reading

'Forever Chemicals' found in all the world's toilet paper

Trump shuts down staff helping families pay heating bills

Full list of words banned by Trump, including ‘Climate Change'

Oil companies seek Trump's help to fight climate lawsuits & regulations

Follow Ground Report on X, Instagram and Facebook for environmental and underreported stories from the margins. Give us feedback on our email id [email protected]. 

Don't forget to Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, Join our community on WhatsApp, and Follow our YouTube Channel