NGT Cautions Over Pahuj River Encroachment & Pollution

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to authorities regarding significant alleged encroachment and pollution impacting the Pahuj river, which flows through Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. This action follows a petition filed by local residents and environmental activists. The NGT will hold its next hearing on August 17 to review the responses. The petition, registered as Original Application No 323/2026, was heard by a bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Dr Afroz Ahmad. The Pahuj river, historically known as 'Pushpavati', is crucial for water security and groundwater recharge in the drought-prone Bundelkhand region. It originates in Madhya Pradesh and flows for approximately 265 kilometers before merging with the Sindh river in Uttar Pradesh. Petitioners have alleged large-scale illegal concrete construction within the riverbed and floodplain areas near Unao in Madhya Pradesh. They claim these activities, along with encroachments on natural drains and feeder channels in both MP and UP, are severely obstructing the river's natural flow and threatening its ecosystem. Furthermore, allegations include the discharge of sewage and wastewater into these channels, leading to waterlogging and contamination of the Pahuj River. This pollution is reportedly degrading water quality and harming aquatic life. The petition also emphasized the river's deep religious and cultural importance, particularly at Unao Balaji Dham on the MP-UP border, where it holds spiritual significance for devotees and is believed to have medicinal properties. The NGT has directed the respondents to submit their replies and affidavits at least a week before the upcoming hearing, having been presented with photographic evidence of the alleged illegal activities and pollution.