NGT issues notice over water scarcity in Prayagraj

The National Green Tribuna (NGT) , New Delhi  has sought a response from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, NTPC and others on a petition alleging scarcity of water in the Yamuna and the Ganga in Prayagraj.

Passing the above said order  the Bench comprising Justice Prakash Srivastava , Justice Sudhir Agarwal and Expert Member A Senthil Vel, held  the petition raised a substantial issue relating to compliance of the environmental  laws. They further said that  it is impleading as respondents several authorities in the matter.

The petitioner has raised  concerned over  the scarcity which has been caused by the withdrawal of water by several entities, including the Kishanpur canal and two thermal plants.

It was further claimed that  the water scarcity in the rivers could result in a situation where organizing the Kumbh Mela and the Magh Mela in Prayagraj would become difficult in the next two decades.

These are the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Secretary,Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board member Secretary, Divisional Commissioner Prayagraj District Magistrate, Prayagraj, Bara Thermal Power Plant operations in-charge and the National Thermal Power Corporation’s (NTPC) Prayagraj operations in-charge, among others.

Court further  directed for issue to the respondents for filing their response within eight weeks, the tribunal said. The matter has been listed on February 7 for further proceedings.