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NGT Probes Uttarakhand Pilgrim Corridor
9 Oct
Summary
- NGT seeks Uttarakhand govt response on environmental norm violations.
- Concerns raised over inadequate sewage treatment and waste management.
- Environmental tribunal schedules next hearing for December 17.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is scrutinizing the Uttarakhand government and other authorities regarding alleged breaches of environmental regulations within the Sonprayag-Gaurikund-Kedarnath pilgrimage corridor. This action stems from complaints detailing issues such as inadequately treated sewage discharge, open drains, insufficient sewer connectivity, and ineffective solid waste management.
The tribunal's directive follows an application filed by activist Amit Gupta. Notices have been issued to several bodies, including the Central Pollution Control Board and the National Mission for Clean Ganga. The NGT noted the substantial environmental concerns raised and has set December 17 for its next hearing.
Specific worries about the sewage treatment plant (STP) capacities at Kedarnath and Gaurikund were highlighted. The Kedarnath STP, designed for a combined resident and pilgrim population of 25,000, is alleged to be insufficient for the generated sewage. Similarly, the 200 KLD facility at Gaurikund is deemed inadequate. Authorities are expected to provide a detailed response to these allegations.
