When will the Saraswati river clean-up be completed?

The comprehensive clean-up of the Saraswati river is expected to take nearly two years after project approvals.

What actions are being taken to clean the Saraswati river?

Steps have been initiated to prevent pollution and encroachment along the Saraswati river, which has been affected by sewage discharge and solid waste dumping.

Who is overseeing the Saraswati river clean-up efforts?

The state government is undertaking the clean-up of the Saraswati river, filing affidavits and action-taken reports in compliance with orders from the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

Home / Environment / Saraswati River Clean-Up: A Two-Year Battle Against Pollution

Saraswati River Clean-Up: A Two-Year Battle Against Pollution

4 Feb

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Summary

River clean-up to take nearly two years after project approvals.
State government filed an affidavit on Nov 20, 2025, to NGT.
Activist alleges long-standing non-compliance with environmental norms.

Saraswati River Clean-Up: A Two-Year Battle Against Pollution

The state government has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that a significant clean-up operation for the Saraswati river is in progress. This vital river, which flows through Hooghly and Howrah districts before merging with the Ganges, has suffered extensive damage from sewage discharge and solid waste dumping.

In response to an NGT order dated November 20, 2025, the chief secretary filed an affidavit detailing the initiated measures. These steps aim to prevent further pollution and halt encroachment along the river's course. The tribunal's bench heard the action-taken report concerning the case brought forth by environmental activist Subhas Datta.

Mr. Datta, however, expressed dissatisfaction, alleging a lack of accountability and several years of non-compliance with environmental directives. He described the submitted affidavit as containing unrelated information, highlighting ongoing challenges in the river's restoration efforts. The comprehensive clean-up is estimated to take nearly two years after project approvals.