Green Tribunal Demands Answers on Slow Ganga Clean-Up Progress

The National Green Tribunal has sought a response from the National Mission for Clean Ganga about slow progress on river-cleaning projects. A report indicated that out of Rs 37,550 crore sanctioned, only Rs 18,033 crore has been spent by June 2024. The Tribunal raised substantial compliance concerns.

The National Green Tribunal has demanded a response from the National Mission for Clean Ganga and other authorities concerning the sluggish progress of river-cleaning projects across various states.

The Tribunal took suo motu cognisance of a newspaper report highlighting the slow pace of project expenditures. The report revealed that out of Rs 37,550 crore allocated for Namami Gange initiatives, merely Rs 18,033 crore had been utilized by June 2024.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and member Afroz Ahmad cited substantial issues regarding environmental compliance. The Tribunal directed relevant authorities to respond by December 11, including officials from the Ministries of Environment, Jal Shakti, and the Central Pollution Control Board.

(With inputs from agencies.)