Patna: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Bihar government and the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) to take action against urban local bodies that are allowing untreated sewage and waste to flow directly into the Ganga River. The tribunal has also sought detailed reports on the state’s sewage treatment infrastructure and measures to curb river pollution.
The directions were issued after the NGT took suo motu cognisance of a media report alleging that water quality in parts of the Ganga in Bihar had deteriorated to levels considered unsafe even for bathing.
NGT Seeks Action Against Polluting Urban Bodies
According to an order issued on August 3, a bench comprising NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Member Afroz Ahmad observed that pollution levels in the Ganga and other rivers, including the Son, Kosi and Bagmati, are under examination across 27 districts of Bihar.
The tribunal directed the BSPCB to initiate action, including the imposition of environmental compensation, against civic bodies found responsible for discharging untreated sewage into the river.
Government Affidavit Highlights Sewage Discharge
According to an affidavit submitted by Bihar’s Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department, large volumes of untreated wastewater continue to enter the Ganga through open drains between Buxar and Munger.
The tribunal expressed concern over the findings and sought a comprehensive status report from the state government.
Report Sought on Sewage Treatment Plants
The NGT has also asked the Bihar government to provide details on the capacity, operational status and progress of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) across the state.
According to the affidavit:
- 43 STPs have been planned or developed in Bihar.
- 15 are operational.
- 5 are in trial mode.
- 9 are under construction.
- Tendering is underway for 4 projects.
- 10 are at the Detailed Project Report (DPR) stage.
The tribunal also directed the BSPCB to ensure that treated water released from operational STPs complies with prescribed environmental standards.
Millions of Litres of Sewage Flowing Into the Ganga
According to the state government’s affidavit, untreated sewage entering the Ganga each day includes:
- Buxar: Around 50 MLD from seven drains.
- Ara: Around 47 MLD from five drains.
- Patna: Nearly 349 MLD from 15 drains.
- Barauni: Around 23 MLD.
- Jamalpur (Munger): Around 25 MLD.
The affidavit also stated that several open drains in Dumraon (Buxar) and Barahiya (Lakhisarai) are yet to be connected to the sewage network.
NGT Asks for Timeline to Complete Sewer Network
The tribunal has asked the Bihar government to specify the timeline for completing the state’s sewerage network, identify the agencies responsible for the work and clarify funding arrangements.
According to the order, authorities must also explain the measures being taken to prevent untreated sewage from entering the Ganga until the infrastructure is fully operational.
