The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a directive for immediate environmental intervention in Jaunpur, targeting the escalating pollution levels in the Adi Ganga Gomti River, which have significantly disrupted its ecosystem.
During a hearing on November 8, the NGT, led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, responded to alarming reports of chemical pollutants and the consequent death of fish in the river. The tribunal has called for quick measures to address the pollution sources, particularly focusing on the immediate tapping of two currently untapped drains identified as major contributors to the river’s degradation.
The urgency of the situation was underscored by a comprehensive report submitted by a joint team from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB), and district authorities. This report highlighted that, while the river shows a high flow during the monsoon season, it is the low water levels during the pre-monsoon period that exacerbate the pollution effects, leading to ecological damage.
“Given the findings of the recent inspections, it’s evident that the Bajrang Ghat drain 1 and Bajrang Ghat drain 2, which flow directly into the river, need to be controlled to prevent further ecological disaster,” stated Justice Shrivastava. The tribunal has emphasized the need for these drains to be tapped as part of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2 scheme, ensuring that the river’s health is restored and maintained, particularly during the vulnerable summer months.
