NGT Directs Bihar Government to Submit Comprehensive Reports on River Pollution

Patna: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has raised concerns over the lack of a comprehensive report pertaining to the pollution of rivers, particularly the Ganga, in Bihar. NGT has issued a directive to the state government, demanding district-wise submissions on the state of river pollution. Failure to comply with this directive will result in the Chief Secretary being summoned before the tribunal.

This directive was issued by the NGT bench comprising Chairman Justice Prakash Srivastava, Judicial Member Justice Sudhir Aggarwal, and Expert Member Dr. A Senthil Vel during the hearing of the case related to MC Mehta vs Central Government and others.

According to a report filed by the state of Bihar on February 17, only 20 out of the total 38 districts have submitted reports, leaving 18 districts with pending information.

The tribunal noted that the reports submitted by 20 districts were incomplete, with Darbhanga, Buxar, and Katihar districts failing to provide the requisite information as requested by the tribunal.

Emphasizing the need for sequential district-wise reports on river pollution, the tribunal expressed disappointment over the incomplete submissions. The counsel representing the State of Bihar informed the tribunal that the District Magistrates had been provided with all necessary information.

During the proceedings, concerns were raised regarding the changing color of the Ganga River in Patna due to pollution, as well as the construction of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) near riverbanks. The petitioner’s counsel presented photographs depicting the deteriorating condition of the Budhi Gandak River, accumulation of garbage on riverbanks, and open drains discharging filth directly into the rivers.

In response, the bench allowed these photographs to be officially recorded within three days. The next hearing for the case is scheduled for May 1, with a mandate for all District Magistrates to submit reports within six weeks. These reports will then be presented before the tribunal, accompanied by tabulated information.