NGT slaps UP Govt with Rs 25 lakh fine for failing to stop pollution of Upper Ganga Canal

New Delhi, Feb 6 (KNN) For failing to stop dumping of sewage and untreated water in the Upper Ganga Canal, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a cost of Rs 25 lakh on the Uttar Pradesh government.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel said adequate steps have not been taken for proper waste management and its treatment.

“The Chief Secretary may furnish progress report to this Tribunal. Having regard to the serious implication on public health, the matter must be seen with due attention from the highest level of authorities instead of being left to the lowest level,” the Bench said.

Noting the State government’s submission that a sewage treatment plant in Niwari will be installed within six months, a Bench headed by Goel also directed the Urban Development Ministry to deposit a performance guarantee of RS 35 lakh.

The green panel said clean environment is a fundamental right and the apathy by the authorities has to be dealt with coercive action.

The directions came while the green panel was hearing a plea moved by local resident Vivek Tyagi, that alleged illegal construction of a drainage system by the Niwari Nagar Panchayat linking it to the Upper Ganga Canal.