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NGT seeks report on sewage discharge into Bhagirathi river
The National Green Tribunal has asked the Devprayag municipal council to file a comprehensive report on allegations that untreated sewage and septage from public toilets and drains are being discharged directly into…
The Story in Brief
The National Green Tribunal has asked the Devprayag municipal council to file a comprehensive report on allegations that untreated sewage and septage from public toilets and drains are being discharged directly into the Bhagirathi river in Tehri Garhwal district. The petition, filed by a Teerth Purohit of Badrinath, claims that the pollution threatens the sacred confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers, which forms the Ganga. The tribunal has issued notices to the district magistrate, pollution control board, and state environment secretary. The petitioner submitted photographs of the area. The NGT observed that the application raised a substantial issue concerning compliance with environmental norms. The Devprayag municipal council has been specifically directed to address the alleged discharge of untreated sewage into the Ganga. The next hearing is on October 16, 2026.
The Indian Opinion
The Ganga has long been a symbol of pollution neglect despite official pledges. This case is a test of whether the NGT's orders carry real weight. The pilgrim town of Devprayag sees thousands of visitors, yet basic sewage treatment is lacking. Will the municipal council's report show actual compliance, or just another promise? The October 2026 hearing is far away, but the tribunal's insistence on a comprehensive report is a step. The key is whether the state acts before the next hearing, or if the river continues to bear the cost of neglect.
Sources (2): hindustantimes.com, hindustantimes.com (2)
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
