NGT passes judgment on Ganga Action Plan, warns govt officials to comply

Adopting a “no excuse allowed” stance, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) today pronounced its judgment in a plea by MC Mehta on the implementation of the Ganga Action Plan..The Bench, while pronouncing its order today, said that it will allow no excuses and that the limitations must be acted upon from today. It also clarified that violations of its order will call for contempt of court and appropriate action will be taken..Chairman Justice (Retd.) Swatanter Kumar observed,.“Limitations will start from today and no excuses will be given. All 86 major drains in segment ‘A’ which is from Haridwar to Unnao should be cleaned and the time limit for this is 6 weeks. Pipelines should be constructed and maintained within 2 years of time.”.The Bench also made it clear that Rs. 50,000 fine will be imposed on people dumping waste in the stretch between Haridwar and Unnao of River Ganga.On industries in and around the Ganga, the Bench said that any industry which relates to producing chrome will be liable to pay Rs. 25,000 and those producing industrial waste would attract a fine of Rs. 1 lakh..It went on to state that any industry near the Ganga should be closed, and has prohibited the dumping of waste within 500 meters of the stretch of the river..Ending its order, the Bench said,.“If any government officials are not complying with the judgement, they will be liable for punishment for contempt of court.”