NGT raises concerns over untreated sewage discharge into Ganga in Varanasi

Lucknow: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has raised serious concerns over the unchecked dumping of untreated sewage and industrial waste into the Ganga and its tributaries at Varanasi. The NGT is especially concerned about the illegal tapping of stormwater drains and the Asi River, a major Ganga tributary.It also taken a serious note of the fact that the Asi River is treated as a drain and tapped in violation of the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order, 2016. The tribunal has directed the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) to explain how such permission was granted. The matter was heard by a principal bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava, chairperson, and A Senthil Vel, expert member.
The tribunal examined the State Action Plan filed by the UP govt, which disclosed that 76 drains discharge into rivers Ganga and Varuna in Varanasi and Chandauli districts. Of these, 31 drains remain partially tapped or untapped, continuing to carry untreated sewage.It also observed that stormwater drains are being permanently tapped as a pollution control measure, which is impermissible and poses a threat to river ecology. The bench noted that stormwater drains can only be tapped temporarily, with a clear timeline for reopening once household sewer connections are completed.Further concerns were raised regarding the location of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), noting that several STPs receiving sewage through stormwater drains may be situated in the floodplain of River Ganga. The NGT directed NMCG to place on record the material relied upon while approving DPRs and releasing funds.It also noted that out of 4.14 lakh households identified for sewer connections in Varanasi, only 1.56 lakh households have been connected so far, and directed the state to submit a clear timeline for 100% sewer connectivity. The state and NMCG have been granted six weeks to file a detailed progress report addressing these concerns. The matter has been listed for further hearing on April 21.