The National Green Tribunal expressed its anguish over the situation of river Ganga. It has clearly stated that the water of the Ganga river, between Haridwar and Unnao in Uttar Pradesh, was unfit for drinking and bathing. The green panel said that innocent people drank and bathed in the river with reverence, without knowing that it may adversely affect their health.
“Innocent persons are drinking and bathing in the Ganga out of reverence and respect. They don’t know that it may be dangerous to their health. If cigarette packets can contain a warning saying it is ‘injurious to health’, why not the people be informed of the adverse effects (of the river water),” the NGT said.
National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 is an Act of the Parliament of India which enables the creation of a special tribunal to handle the expeditious disposal of the cases pertaining to environmental issues. It has also directed the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) by installing display boards at regular gaps. Teaming NMCG along with the Central Pollution Control Board it has ordered the latter to put up a detailed map in their official website clearly notifying which all are the areas of the river with suitable and safe drinking and bathing water.
Currently, there are 36 real-time monitoring stations and 94 manual stations for the river water. 40 more stations are proposed to be set up. The green panel, in a detailed judgment, had passed a slew of directions to rejuvenate the Ganga, declaring as ‘No Development Zone’, an area of 100 metres from the edge of the river, between Haridwar and Unnao.
“It is of utmost necessity to comply with the right to life of persons using Ganga water, and that they are put to notice about the fitness of water,” added the bench.
Next hearing in this matter is scheduled for August 6.