The National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently reported that pollution is still flowing into the river Ganga, despite numerous court orders intended to stop this. This has raised concerns as the states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and West Bengal have reportedly failed in preventing the discharge of untreated pollutants, going against the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974.
Constitutional Rights and Obligations
It’s important to note that a pollution-free environment is a constitutional right for every citizen. In the same breath, it is also a constitutional obligation for States to ensure such an environment. However, it appears that the states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and West Bengal are not meeting their obligation to provide a pollution-free Ganga.
NGT’s Monitoring Directive
In response to this failure, the NGT has directed the above-mentioned states to periodically monitor the rejuvenation of the Ganga. The tribunal has also encouraged these states to hold regular joint meetings, with a focus on pooling human resources and sharing best practices for the river’s rejuvenation.
Initiatives for Cleaning Ganga
Over the years, several initiatives have been taken up to clean the Ganga. These include the Ganga Action Plan, launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 1985. Its primary objective was to improve water quality by the interception, diversion, and treatment of domestic sewage. This plan later extended into the National River Conservation Plan, which further aimed at cleaning the Ganga river.
A National Body for Ganga
In 2009, the National River Ganga Basin Authority (NRGBA) was formed under Section-3 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986. This body recognized Ganga as the ‘National River’ of India.
Namami Gange Programme
Another significant step was the Namami Gange Programme, an Integrated Conservation Mission approved in June 2014 by the Union Government. The programme aims to reduce pollution while rejuvenating the National River Ganga and is being managed by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Creation of the Clean Ganga Fund
In 2014, the Clean Ganga Fund was established with the specific aim of cleaning up the Ganga, setting up waste treatment plants, and conserving the river’s biotic diversity.
Bhuvan-Ganga Web App
The Bhuvan-Ganga Web App was launched to allow the public to participate in monitoring the pollution entering into the river Ganga.
NGT’s Ban on Waste Disposal
In 2017, the NGT placed a ban on the disposal of any waste into the Ganga as another measure to prevent pollution.
Way Forward
For the successful rejuvenation of the Ganga, there must be a strategic plan that includes strict monitoring of pollution and robust implementation of existing laws and court guidelines related to pollution. There also needs to be rigorous planning and action at the highest level for effective enforcement of environmental protection rules, public health standards, and the rejuvenation of the Ganga river.
