In Bihar, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken a stern stance on the pollution of rivers, including the Ganga and its tributaries. The principal bench of the NGT has directed the Bihar government to submit a report on the pollution status of rivers to all District Magistrates (DMs) of the 38 districts within six weeks, failing which the personal presence of the Chief Secretary may be required.
During the hearing, it was revealed that three districts in Bihar—Darbhanga, Buxar, and Katihar—have submitted reports related to the petition against the Center and others. However, these reports lack the required information as per the tribunal’s demands.
The Bihar government’s counsel mentioned that several DMs have submitted their reports to the state government, which have been examined. In compliance with the tribunal’s directives, comprehensive reports from all DMs are expected within six weeks, accompanied by systematically organized information. These reports will be presented before the tribunal within the stipulated timeframe.
In a previous hearing, it was disclosed that out of the 38 districts, 20 had submitted data in their reports by February 17, 2024. However, upon review, it was found that even these 20 districts provided incomplete and, in some cases, inaccurate information. In response, the tribunal bench directed the submission of reports by District Magistrates, along with the required details, for further examination.
The hearing also addressed the pollution issues within the Ganga, with the tribunal seeking a report on Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) being constructed within the river. The applicant’s counsel presented images depicting the deplorable condition of the Budhi Gandak River, waste disposal at riverbanks, and garbage in the darkened waters, causing a change in the river’s color. The tribunal granted permission to record these images with detailed descriptions within three days. The next hearing on this matter is scheduled for May 2024, based on the report submitted by the Bihar government.
