Allahabad HC on Ganga Pollution: Directs UP Secretary to Order effective representation of Govt

Chaini Parwani –

Published On: November 18, 2021 at 16:21 IST

The Allahabad High Court observed that there is non-cooperation among different Departments of the State in the matter of Ganga Pollution, since there has been a lot of confusion before the Court, leading it to direct UP Chief Secretary Nagar Vikas, to investigate the issue and pass necessary Notifications for more effective representation of the Government.

A three-Judge Bench comprising Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta, Justice Siddhartha Varma and Justice Ajit Kumar while hearing a matter relating to Ganga Pollution stated “We notice that different departments, nodal and executing agencies are represented through different counsels and amongst whom there is no coordination, resulting in a lot of confusion. If the Additional Advocate General is representing the State, we expect that he should have full instructions, at least in respect of all matters falling under the purview of the State Government or its instrumentalities.”

The Court highlighted that a report from Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) Kanpur on the river’s purity, is still awaited and an appeal for extra time has been granted.

Further, while granting permission for the submission on the next date of Hearing, the Court stated that other two reports from Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board and IIT Banaras Hindu University (BHU), shall remain in sealed cover and shall be disclosed along with the report of IIT Kanpur.

The Court exhibited its dissatisfaction with the efforts of Nagar Nigam, Prayagraj regarding Cremation on the Bank of river Ganga and stated that the mindset with which the Nagar Nigam is handling the issue is not appropriate.

The Court highlighted that if proper facilities are provided at the Electric Crematoriums and if people are made aware of the advantages and disadvantages of use of Electric Crematoriums, many of them will be attracted to avail other facilities. 

Moreover, Notices have been issued by the Allahabad High Court to Sri Kashi Vishwanath Special Area Development Authority asking them to submit its Affidavit through its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) providing details of the schemes and all constructions which are in and around the river Ganga.

The Court further adjourned the Matter on December 6.

Also Read: Youth Bar Association filed plea before SC to prevent throwing of dead bodies in River Ganga 

Allahabad High Court refuses to entertain plea for disposal of dead bodies buried near Ganga

Related Post