NGT (National Green Tribunal) during the hearing regarding encroachment and pollution on the tributaries of Ganga, Assi and Varuna in Varanasi, DM S. Reprimanded Rajalingam. Petitioner's lawyer Saurabh Tiwari said that NGT asked the DM, what did you do regarding the cleanliness of Ganga in two years? Why don't they put up boards there stating that the water here is not fit for bathing and drinking?
On this, Varanasi DM S. Rajalingam said that the issue of cleanliness of Ganga is a matter related to governance. We cannot take a decision in this matter alone. On this NGT said that you should not be helpless. You have power and use it. NGT also told the UP government lawyer that you are defending people who cannot be defended.
A two-member bench of NGT made these harsh remarks orally. Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member Dr. A. In front of Senthil's bench, Varanasi DM S. Rajalingam was connected through video conferencing. The next hearing in this case is now on December 13.
Expressing concern over Ganga pollution in Uttar Pradesh in its report a week ago, NGT has said that the sewage of 16 cities on the banks of Ganga including Sangam city is falling directly into the Ganga through drains. Due to this the quality of water is deteriorating.
NGT has filed an affidavit with the Chief Secretary within four weeks and has sought information about the action plan from the government regarding stopping the drains from falling into the Ganga along with the details of the proposed sewage treatment plant. The next hearing in this case will be on 20 January 2025 at the time of Mahakumbh.
