River Adi Ganga Gomti Pollution: NGT Directs Authorities To Take Expeditious Steps To Tap Drains

New Delhi:  National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed authorities in Uttar Presh to take expeditious steps to tap untapped drains, besides taking all possible measures to maintain riverine ecology of i Ganga Gomti river in Jaunpur district.

green body was hearing a matter regarding drying up of river and its chemical pollution, which has caused death of a large number of fish.

In an order dated November 8, a bench of NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava noted that a joint team of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Uttar Presh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) and district authorities h inspected river and submitted a report.

bench, also comprising judicial member Justice Arun Kumar TRiver i Ganga Gomti pollution: NGT directs authorities to take expeditious steps to tap drainsyagi and expert member A Senthil Vel, noted that two drains flowing towards river were untapped, according to report.

It said report is based on team's visit during monsoon, when river h high flow, whereas tribunal was examining issue of river's deteriorating condition during pre-monsoon season, when it h a significantly low flow.

"However, having regard to fact disclosed in report/replies, we are of view that two untapped drains -- Bajrang Ghat drain 1 and Bajrang Ghat drain 2 -- having a grient towards river are required to be tapped at earliest," tribunal said.

It took note of submissions of counsel for Uttar Presh government that two drains would be diverted and tapped under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2 scheme.

"Hence, we dispose of original application (OA) directing authorities to take expeditious steps to tap two untapped drains and also, to ensure that during summer, when water level in river is low, all possible measures are taken to maintain river ecology," tribunal said.