Ganga encroachers on notice: SC orders centre to report on illegal constructions
The court is concerned about the threat to aquatic life, including freshwater dolphins, and will hear the case on April 23
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Supreme Court is now going to take action against those who have illegally encroached the banks of the holy river Ganga and its flood plains by constructing permanent structures. The country's highest court has taken a very strict stand in this matter and has issued a strict directive to the central government. The court has summoned a detailed report from the government regarding all the illegal constructions and encroachments on the banks of the Ganga. Along with this, the court has also asked to tell what concrete steps have been taken on the ground so far to remove this illegal encroachment and protect the river. After this order, there has been a stir among the concerned departments and the encroachers.
The Supreme Court asked – what is the obstacle in removing encroachment?
Hearing this serious matter, a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Vishwanathan posed several pointed questions to the central government. The court inquired as to what obstacles were hindering the authorities from effectively implementing the notification regarding the rejuvenation and management of the Ganga. The bench clearly stated that the authorities in each state through which the Ganga flows were planning to protect the river and how they would ensure that its banks were completely free of encroachments. The court acknowledged that this was not a minor issue but one that urgently required a comprehensive and thorough investigation.
The existence of dolphins is also under serious threat
During the hearing, the court revealed another shocking information. Advocate Akash Vashisht, representing the petitioner, informed the bench that the widespread illegal encroachment on the river banks has posed a grave threat to aquatic life. He brought to the court's attention that these stretches of the Ganga River are home to a large number of rare freshwater dolphins, whose natural habitat is now threatened. Therefore, this serious issue requires immediate attention and strict action.
The NGT order was challenged, the next decision will be taken on April 23
This entire case originated with a petition filed by Ashok Kumar Sinha, a resident of Patna. In 2020, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) dismissed his petition against illegal construction on environmentally sensitive floodplains. He has challenged this decision in the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court has now issued notices to several states in the Ganga basin and asked the central government what specific instructions they require from the court to remove the encroachments. The next, crucial hearing in this case will now take place on April 23rd, and all eyes are on the hearing.