The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a stern call for accountability from the Jharkhand government over its delays in implementing crucial pollution control measures for the Ganga River. This directive follows repeated non-compliance with the Supreme Court’s orders aimed at reviving the river’s sanctity and environmental health.
During a recent assessment of the ongoing Ganga cleanup efforts, which involves multiple states, the NGT expressed dissatisfaction with Jharkhand’s sluggish progress in installing necessary sewage lines and sewage treatment plants (STPs). These facilities are deemed essential for reducing the river’s pollution load.
The NGT’s order mandates that Jharkhand’s Environment Secretary provide a detailed affidavit outlining the reasons for the state’s non-compliance with the Supreme Court’s judgments. The affidavit must also include a precise timeline for the implementation of pollution control measures across all affected districts and drainage systems.
The Supreme Court had previously underscored the need for a robust monitoring mechanism, criticizing the ineffectiveness of mere directives without stringent enforcement. It stipulated that industrial activities should be allowed to proceed only if equipped with operational primary and communal effluent treatment facilities.
Highlighting further concerns, the NGT pointed out that the existing STPs are either underused or fail to meet the required operational standards. The tribunal emphasized the critical nature of the Ganga rejuvenation project, which aims to restore the river’s water quality to a level suitable for religious activities and bathing.
The NGT reiterated the accountability of Member Secretaries of Pollution Control Boards and State Environment Secretaries in ensuring adherence to the Supreme Court’s directives and effective monitoring of the progress.
Given the current state of affairs, the NGT has also requested that the Jharkhand Environment Secretary outline interim measures to be adopted pending the full operationalization of sewage infrastructure and treatment facilities.
