Ganga's Cry: NGT Demands Answers as Raw Waste Continues to Poison Sacred Waters in Varanasi

The sacred waters of the River Ganga in Varanasi, a lifeline for millions and a symbol of spiritual purity, continue to face an alarming threat from relentless pollution. In a significant development, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has once again voiced its 'serious concern' over the continued, unauthorized discharge of domestic and industrial waste directly into stormwater drains, which tragically, are conduits flowing straight into the revered river.

This grave issue came to light following an application highlighting the critical state of affairs, pointing out that untreated sewage and industrial effluents are systematically being channeled into these drains near the iconic Malviya Ganga Barrage.

The NGT minced no words, asserting that these stormwater drains are explicitly designed for rain runoff, not for carrying the burden of a city's waste. Their current misuse represents a significant failure in ensuring the proper collection and disposal of hazardous waste, exacerbating the pollution crisis in one of India's most cherished rivers.

In a decisive move to address this environmental transgression, the NGT has mandated a comprehensive 'factual and action taken report' within one month.

This urgent directive targets key environmental and urban development bodies, including the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB), the Varanasi Nagar Nigam, and the Varanasi Smart City Limited. The Tribunal is demanding concrete answers and demonstrable progress in curbing this destructive practice.

Furthermore, the NGT has ordered the formation of a joint committee, to be spearheaded by the Regional Officer of the UPPCB.

This committee, comprising representatives from the Nagar Nigam, Varanasi Smart City Limited, and the District Magistrate, has been tasked with an immediate and thorough inspection of the site. Their crucial mission includes collecting samples of the discharge to ascertain the exact nature and extent of the pollution, providing a scientific basis for the necessary remedial actions.

The NGT's firm stance underscores a critical call to action, emphasizing the collective responsibility to protect the Ganga.

The tribunal's intervention serves as a powerful reminder that the sanctity and ecological health of our rivers cannot be compromised, demanding that authorities move beyond rhetoric to implement effective, sustainable solutions for waste management and environmental preservation in Varanasi and beyond.

The future of the Ganga, and the communities it sustains, hangs in the balance, awaiting decisive intervention and unwavering commitment.