The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has actually started suo motu procedures on the basis of a released report highlighting an IIT-Roorkee research study which discovers that groundwater, and not glacier melt, sustains the Ganga’s summertime circulation, especially beyond the Himalayan foothills approximately Patna.
A bench consisting of Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Expert Member Dr. A. Senthil Vel, and Expert Member Dr. Prashant Gargava took cognisance of the concern throughout the hearing hung on August 20.
According to the research study, isotope analysis of the Ganga and its tributaries reveals that glacier melt contributes minimally to the river’s discharge once it gets in the plains. Rather, groundwater plays the dominant function, improving the river’s volume by almost 120 percent. The research study likewise mentions that roughly 58 percent of the water is lost to evaporation throughout the summertime season.
It even more recommends that efforts such as Namami Gange and Jal Shakti Abhiyan ought to stress groundwater recharge, aquifer management, wetland repair, and revival of tributaries to make sure seasonal circulation.
The Tribunal observed that the matter shows possible infractions under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and includes considerable issues about adherence to ecological standards and statutory arrangements.
Describing the Supreme Court judgment in Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs. Ankita Sinha and Others (2021 ), the bench repeated its power to use up problems suo motu.
The Tribunal has actually impleaded 4 companies as participants in the event: the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation; the National Mission for Clean Ganga; and the Central Ground Water Board.
Each of the participants has actually been directed to send their replies by method of affidavit no behind one week before the next arranged hearing. If any reply is sent straight without legal representation, the accountable authorities should exist essentially to help the Tribunal throughout procedures. The matter is set up for additional hearing on November 10, 2025.