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National Green Tribunal in its Order Dated 20/09/2019 in the matter of Joydeep Mukherjee V. the Chairman, Pollution Control Board & Others regarding Adi Ganga River Pollution, West Bengal observed as follows. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the Chief Secretary, Government of West Bengal to ensure that illegal constructions on Adi Ganga is withheld immediately and an action is taken for reviewing the decision and to file an affidavit on the compliance of the directions within two weeks.
The Application had come up before the Tribunal on 08/04/2019. After 2 years the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), the Irrigation and Water Waste Department, Government of West Bengal and the concerned Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) were directed to submit the present status on the action taken for rejuvenation of Adi Ganga River. The authorities were directed to submit an action plan for rejuvenation of the river and the steps taken for clearing the pollution and present status within two months. The Chief Secretary of Government of West Bengal was categorically directed to oversee the proceedings and ensure that the proper action plan was prepared to remedy the situation.
On 29/07/2019 Information Secretary, Urban and Municipal Affairs Department, Government of West Bengal informed the Court that the National Mission for Clean Ganga Authority (NMCGA) was to consider the proposition on sewer and drainage system including pumping stations and STPs evaluated at Rs. 339.50 crores. As a quick measure to clear the Adi Ganga from sediment, hydrophytes, and other amphibian plants, dredging and different methods were directed to be embraced. Other than this Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) was directed to remove illegal encroachment from the banks of Adi Ganga. No report of substance has, be that as it may be received in the interregnum notwithstanding when the issue was going on since the year 2015 during which specific proposition had been put together by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), the Government of West Bengal and the National Mission for Clean Ganga Authority (NMCGA), noticed the national Green Tribunal (NGT).
In compliance with the court order, affidavits were filed by the National Mission for Clean Ganga authority (NMCGA), the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and the Urban Development Affairs Department, which was found lacking by the Tribunal. Further, Subhas Dutta, Amicus Curiae has given information that there was the construction of concrete structures in the form of bridges on the Adi Ganga river at different places, namely, Kali-Ghat Temple, near Karunamayee and Garia Market. That apart matter relating to filling up and reclamation of Adi Ganga for widening the road near Karunamayee has also been brought to the notice of the court.
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