/ground-report/media/post_banners/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Source-Twitter-13-2.jpg)
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a notice to the Jal Shakti Ministry and the Chief Secretaries of all states on October 9, 2023, regarding river pollution. The court has asked for a report on the tribunal’s order given on February 22, 2021.
In this order, the NGT had directed the Ministry of Jal Shakti to establish an effective monitoring mechanism to control pollution across the country and revive polluted river areas. All States/UTs’ Chief Secretaries and PCBs and PCCs have been asked to initiate new projects and complete ongoing projects under the National River Rejuvenation Mechanism (NRRM). They have also been instructed to strictly adhere to the project timeline for implementing interim phyto/bio-remediation measures.
If a State fails to comply, they will have to deposit compensation with the Jal Shakti Ministry as per previous orders. This compensation will be utilized as per the action plans approved by the National River Rejuvenation Mechanism.
The applicant has cited the minutes of the 17th meeting of the Central Monitoring Committee on September 12, 2023. He pointed out that Assam lacks treatment facilities for disposing of 437.23 MLD sewage. The work of three sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Guwahati is progressing slowly, and eight STPs in various cities with a total capacity of 47.5 MLD are being delayed.
In Bihar, the number of polluted river stretches has increased from six to 18, while the water quality of Sirsa river has dropped from priority III to II.
In Tripura, a total of 82.4 MLD sewage is being generated, whereas the existing sewage treatment capacity is only 8.72 MLD, resulting in a huge gap of 73.68 MLD in sewage treatment.
The tribunal stated that the material pointed out by the applicants indicates that the court’s order has not been implemented by all states.
The recent proceedings have highlighted the dire need for immediate action in states such as Assam, Bihar, and Tripura. According to the applicants, Assam faces a significant sewage treatment deficit, with a lack of facilities for 437.23 million liters per day (MLD) of sewage generated.
Furthermore, there has been sluggish progress in the implementation of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in various locations within the state. Similarly, in Bihar, the number of polluted river stretches has surged from six to eighteen, with water quality deteriorating in the river Sirsa.
In the case of Tripura, a glaring gap of 73.68 MLD exists between sewage generation and treatment capacity, further underscoring the urgency of action to combat pollution.
The NGT's decision sends a clear message that it is committed to ensuring the protection and rejuvenation of India's rivers, especially in regions facing severe pollution challenges. The next hearing of the case has been scheduled for December 13, 2023, where the progress made by states and relevant authorities in adhering to the NGT's directives will be evaluated.
Keep reading
- ‘Feels like I am in hometown pindi’, Pak player Rizwan lauds Hyderabad crowd
- IND VS PAK: Over 11,000 security personnel deployed for security in Ahmedabad
- Know the interesting story behind, Kiwi all-rounder, Rachin Ravindra’s name
- World Cup 2023: Hayden, and Ramiz Raja promoting Islam, slammed by netizens
Follow Ground Report for Environment News and Under-Reported Issues in India. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Koo App, Instagram, Whatsapp and YouTube. Write us on [email protected]
