The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to submit a comprehensive report on illegal constructions along the banks and flood plains of the Ganga river and inform about the steps taken to remove encroachments. A bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan asked the Union government to place on record the steps taken so far for implementation and execution of the notification on rejuvenation, protection and management of the Ganga. 

 

The court also issued notices to several states in the Ganga basin and said the issue required a broader examination beyond individual cases. In addition, the apex court sought clarification from the Centre on what directions the concerned authority would like the court to issue in order to effectively enforce the notification and ensure that the river’s banks and floodplains are completely free of encroachments.

 

The top court was hearing a plea filed by Patna resident against the June 30, 2020, order of the National Green Tribunal dismissing his plea against illegal constructions and permanent encroachments on the eco-fragile flood plains. The matter has been listed for the next hearing on the 23rd of April.