NGT seeks response from Centre, NTPC on plea alleging scarcity of water in Yamuna, Ganga in Prayagraj

The National Green Tribunal has sought a response from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, NTPC and others on a petition alleging scarcity of water in the Yamuna and the Ganga in Uttar Pradeshs Prayagraj.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought a response from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, NTPC, and others on a petition alleging scarcity of water in the Yamuna and the Ganga in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj. The green panel was hearing a petition that claimed the water scarcity in the rivers could result in a situation where organizing the Kumbh Mela and the Magh Mela in Prayagraj would become difficult in the next two decades.

Causes of Water Scarcity

According to the petition, the scarcity has been caused by the withdrawal of water by several entities, including the Kishanpur canal and two thermal plants. The petition further states that the authorities have failed to take effective steps to address the issue, despite repeated requests.

NGT's Response

In an order passed on Monday, a bench of National Green Tribunal Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava said the petition raised a substantial issue relating to compliance of the environmental laws. The bench, also comprising Judicial Member Justice Sudhir Agarwal and Expert Member A Senthil Vel, said it is impleading as respondents several authorities in the matter.

These are the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change secretary; Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board member secretary; Prayagraj district magistrate; Prayagraj divisional commissioner; Bara Thermal Power Plant operations in-charge; and the National Thermal Power Corporations NTPC Prayagraj operations in-charge, among others.

The tribunal said, "Let notice be issued to the respondents for filing their response within eight weeks." The matter has been listed on February 7 for further proceedings.

The NGT's intervention in the matter is a significant step towards addressing the issue of water scarcity in the Yamuna and the Ganga in Prayagraj. The tribunal's order has put the onus on the concerned authorities to take immediate and effective steps to resolve the issue. The outcome of this case will have far-reaching implications for the future of the Kumbh Mela and the Magh Mela, which are two of the largest religious gatherings in the world.