Kiran Raj

The National Green Tribunal (NGT), adjudicating a consolidated batch of applications concerning the deteriorating water quality of the rivers Ganga and Yamuna within the territorial jurisdiction of Prayagraj, issued a series of binding directives to the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The grievances before the Tribunal centered around allegations of untreated sewage discharge into these rivers, particularly concerning the upcoming Magh Mela and the Maha Kumbh Mela in 2025.

The adjudicating Bench, consisting of Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson, and Dr. A. Senthil Vel, Expert Member, conducted a detailed examination of the matter pursuant to the Tribunal’s prior order dated December 9, 2024, directing the State of Uttar Pradesh to submit a comprehensive sewage management plan addressing the sewage infrastructure and anticipated requirements for Prayagraj.

This plan was required to account for the existing sewage load, the anticipated increase during the Maha Kumbh Mela due to the influx of pilgrims, and measures to ensure compliance with environmental standards. In response, the Principal Secretary, Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Department, Uttar Pradesh, submitted a sworn affidavit detailing the status of sewage generation, existing treatment infrastructure, and measures undertaken to preclude untreated sewage discharge into the rivers Ganga and Yamuna.

The affidavit highlighted the deployment of geo-tube technology at locations including Daraganj, Mehdauri Colony, and Rasulabad to mitigate untreated sewage discharge. The State affirmed that during the Maha Kumbh Mela, no untreated sewage from Prayagraj's municipal drains would enter the rivers, aiming to maintain Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels below 30 mg/l, with a target of 10 mg/l, and fecal coliform at 100 MPN/100 ml.

The Tribunal issued the following directives:

1. Enhanced Monitoring Framework: The CPCB and UPPCB were directed to expand monitoring points and increase sampling frequency along the rivers Ganga and Yamuna throughout the Maha Kumbh Mela.

2. Systematic Sampling: The regulatory boards were mandated to collect water samples at least twice a week from designated points, ensuring that intervals were regular and no duplication occurred. Analytical reports, including evaluations of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and geo-tube performance, were to be publicly displayed on the CPCB and UPPCB websites.

3. Effluent Sampling at STPs: Periodic sampling at the effluent discharge points of STPs and advanced oxidation ponds was mandated, with the resulting data to be uploaded for public transparency.

4. Accountability through Judicial Oversight: The CPCB and UPPCB were instructed to submit sample analysis reports to the Registrar General of the Tribunal fortnightly. This procedure ensures judicial oversight and allows for immediate action if issues arise.

5. Solid Waste Management: Disposal of solid waste generated during the Mela was required to strictly comply with existing waste management laws and regulations.

6. Critical Bathing Days: On six key bathing days, regulatory agencies were instructed to enhance their management systems to prevent untreated sewage and solid waste discharge. The river water quality was to be maintained to standards suitable for both drinking and bathing.

7. Sludge Management: Comprehensive measures for sludge disposal from STPs and geo-tubes, adhering to environmental standards, were mandated. Authorities were directed to file a performance report detailing these disposal processes with the Tribunal.

The Tribunal scrutinized the State’s compliance efforts, which included the construction of three new STPs at Rajapur (90 MLD), Naini-I (50 MLD), and Salori (43 MLD) to address the treatment capacity shortfall. Additionally, temporary measures such as advanced oxidation and bio-remediation were employed to manage untapped sewage flows during the Mela. These measures aim to address the treatment gap created by the existing load of untreated sewage from Prayagraj's untapped drains.

Advocate Saurabh Tiwari appeaed for the petitioers

Garima Prashad (Addl. Advocate General), Advocate Ankit Verma, Advocate Gigi C. George, Advocate Pradeep Misra, Advocate Daleep Dhyani, Advocate Mukul Katyal, Advocate Raj Kumar appeared for the respondents

Case Title: Kamlesh Singh v. State of Uttar Pradesh
Case Number: Original Application No. 310/2022
Bench: Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson, and Dr. A. Senthil Vel, Expert Member

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