NGT Orders Bihar to Curb Ganga Pollution

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a stern directive to the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) regarding the severe pollution of the Ganga River. The tribunal has mandated the imposition of environmental compensation on urban local bodies found responsible for discharging millions of liters of untreated sewage into the Ganga.

This action was prompted by a media report from August 3, citing an affidavit from the state environment department. The affidavit revealed that pollution in major rivers, including the Ganga, Son, Kosi, and Bagmati, has reached critical levels. The Ganga water in Bihar is now considered unfit even for bathing, a grave concern for the region.

The NGT noted that numerous drains between Buxar and Munger continue to release untreated wastewater. Specific figures indicate significant daily discharges in Buxar (50 MLD), Bhojpur (47 MLD), Patna (349 MLD), Barauni (23 MLD), and Munger (25 MLD). Several drains in Dumraon and Barahiya remain unconnected to the sewerage network, exacerbating the problem.

In response to the affidavit, the NGT has directed the state government to detail measures to halt untreated sewage flow into these drains. Bihar currently operates 15 Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) with others under construction or in the tendering phase. The BSPCB is tasked with verifying that treated water meets environmental standards. The government must also provide a timeline for sewerage network completion, agency details, funding status, and alternative measures for areas lacking sewerage links.

The NGT emphasized that river pollution affects 27 districts in Bihar and will review the compliance report at a later date.