National desk
12 April
Sandeep Dhand
Journalist Research Analysist
The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Central Government and the Bihar State Government to file a detailed status report regarding the steps taken to remove illegal constructions along the banks of the Ganga river. A bench comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice K.V. Viswanathan questioned the authorities about the current extent of encroachments and the timeline for their removal.
“We want to know what concrete actions have been taken to clear illegal occupations from the banks of the Ganga,” the bench remarked during the hearing. The court emphasized the need for immediate and effective measures to protect the river and its surroundings from further environmental degradation caused by unauthorized structures.
This direction follows a previous order issued by the court on April 2, where both the Centre and the Bihar Government were asked to present appropriate reports. The matter pertains to a petition filed by Patna resident Ashok Kumar Sinha, challenging a June 30, 2020, order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
The petitioner raised concerns over continued illegal activities and constructions along the Ganga in Bihar, which not only violate environmental regulations but also pose a threat to the river’s ecological balance and flow. The plea highlighted the failure of local authorities to enforce the NGT’s directives effectively.
The bench expressed dissatisfaction with the delay in action and reiterated the need for accountability and transparency from the concerned authorities. The court made it clear that it expects the status report to include specific data on the number of encroachments, the measures already taken, and the future course of action planned for their removal.
The matter will be taken up again once the reports are submitted.