NEW DELHI: In order to stop solid waste from entering the Ganga River, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered that all drains carrying discharge from villages situated along its banks be geo-tagged and shared with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The local bodies and Swachh Bharat Mission (G) have been asked to take immediate action.
A senior National Mission Clean Ganga (NMCG) official informed that due to the construction of a tunnel at Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, debris has accumulated along the banks of the river, causing an increased level of solid waste pollution in the river. The official further added that solid waste is dumped at the banks in many locations, making its way into the river.
“This is creating problems in the treatment of the wastewater at STPs (sewage treatment plants). In this regard, the Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti, stated that funds under AMRUT 2.0 could be used to install screens and stop solid waste from making its way into the river water. He also sought cooperation from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in this regard,” the NMCG official stated.