The National Green Tribunal (NGT) took Suo Motu cognizance of the matter relating to the deteriorating condition of the Adi Ganga Gomti river flowing through Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh.
The petition is registered suo-motu on the basis of the news item dated 25.06.2024.
As per the article, the river has dried up due to extreme heat resulting in 50-60 percent of the river becoming waterless.
The article also highlights the presence of several dead fish in the river emanating foul smell in the area.
The news item states that the river has been a source of employment and a protector of environment for the people in the region.
It is also alleged that the death of the fish is caused due to chemical pollution in the river. Furthermore, in front of Hanuman Ghat is Sonar Mandi. Here silver is refined with acid chemicals, which comes directly into the river through the deadly chemical drain. Due to this, the danger to the lives of the fish increases. The danger has increased further due to the decrease in the water level in the river.
The article asserted that no action has been taken yet by the concerned authorities.
The news item raises substantial issue relating to compliance of the environmental norms, especially compliance of Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
“Power of the Tribunal to take up the matter in suo-motu exercise of power has been recognized by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the matter of “Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs. Ankita Sinha & Ors.” reported in 2021 SCC Online SC 897.”
Hence, Principal Bench of Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and Dr. A. Senthil Vel impleaded the following as respondents in the matter:
(1). Central Pollution Control Board, through its Member Secretary.
(2). Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board, through its Member Secretary.
(3). Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
(4). National Mission for Clean Ganga, Through its Director General, Ministry of Jal Shakti, (Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation) Government of India.
(5). District Magistrate, Jaunpur.
The Bench issued notice to the Respondents and listed the matter on 08.11.2024.