Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding disposal of waste into Katahal storm water drain joining river Ganga, Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh, 13/09/2023
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Manoj Kumar Rai Vs State of Uttar Pradesh dated 13/09/2023.
The issue involved in the Original Application is in respect of discharge of sewage and solid waste into Katahal drain connected to river Ganga in District Balia, Uttar Pradesh.
The NGT noted that the joint committee, February 9, 2023 mentioned that there is daily discharge of about 20 MLD of untreated sewage in Ganga and there is no information about performance of in-situ remediation claimed at 6 locations. The joint committee also had expressed their dissatisfaction "with the failure of the State Administration particularly failure to hold erring officers accountable for wastage of public money and preventing damage to river Ganga".
Principal Secretary, Urban Development has informed the court that seven hectare land has been acquired and the tender has already been floated for construction of the STP and that the work of construction of STP will start with effect from November 15, 2023. He also submitted that though the timeline for completion of work is 18 months but he will ensure that the construction of STP is completed and becomes functional much before that.
Further, the court was given the assurance that the complete timeframe in respect of tackling the issue of solid waste management, management of legacy solid waste and sewage management will be provided by way of the affidavit and he takes the personal responsibility to ensure that the said timeline will be adhered to. The NGT, also took note of the action taken report which stated the existence of a landfill zone near the Surhatal Bird Sanctuary.
The Principal Secretary assured that he will examine the issue and also examine the feasibility of shifting the landfill zone away from the bird sanctuary and submit a report. The tribunal directed that the affidavit disclosing the timeline for completion of the above work in terms of the assurance given by the Principal Secretary be filed within a period of two weeks and listed the next hearing of the case to October 3, 2023.
In the meantime, the court directed the authorities to ensure that no waste water be discharged in Katahal drain, a storm water drain joining river Ganga and all efforts be made to use treated waste water instead of discharging into river Ganga.