NGT Pulls Up UP Environment Secretary Over Inaction on Sewage Treatment

The National Green Tribunal has demanded answers from Uttar Pradesh's environment secretary for failing to establish sewage treatment plants as directed by the Supreme Court. The NGT's inquiry stems from untreated wastewater discharges into the Ganga in Varanasi. The tribunal highlighted unacceptable faecal coliform levels from several drains.

The National Green Tribunal has called for a response from the Uttar Pradesh environment secretary for not adhering to the Supreme Court's directive to establish sewage treatment plants within three years.

The NGT was examining the issue of sewage and untreated industrial wastewater being discharged into the Ganga at several locations in Varanasi. A recent report from the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board identified several drains contributing to the contamination.

The tribunal's observations included extremely high faecal coliform levels in the untreated sewage. The Supreme Court mandated the setup of treatment plants by 2020, yet progress remains stalled. The newly added respondent is required to report on compliance by October 16.