India

SC Concerned About Plastic Waste Dumping In Rivers and Water Bodies

The Supreme Court expressed concern over the dumping of plastic waste on riverbanks and in water bodies across the country.

“There is widespread use of plastic in areas meant to remain free from pollution. Dumping plastic causes serious environmental degradation and impacts aquatic life on riverbanks and in water bodies nationwide.

“Without a concerted effort by responsible authorities and public cooperation, improving water quality in the Ganga and other rivers and water bodies will remain illusory,” said a Bench led by Justice Hrishikesh Roy while addressing a plea for the removal of illegal encroachments near the Ganga in Patna, Bihar.

The Bench, including Justice SVN Bhatti, asked the Union government, National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), and Bihar government to file an affidavit within four weeks addressing the issues raised in the appeal and the environmental concerns about plastic waste dumping.

A Patna resident filed the appeal, highlighting that in several floodplain areas, residential buildings and houses are digging borewells without permission from authorities.

“Over 520 acres of ecologically sensitive Ganga floodplains, from Nauzer Ghat to Nurpur Ghat in Patna, have been usurped,” said the Special Leave Petition by advocate Akash Vashishtha, noting that state agencies, instead of acting against illegal constructions, were providing them with electricity connections.

In December last year, the top court ordered the Bihar government to ensure no further construction occurs adjacent to the Ganga, particularly around Patna.

“The state shall report to this court the progress in removing unauthorized structures by filing an affidavit. The Chief Secretary of Bihar shall file this affidavit,” it had ordered.

The Supreme Court noted that the state government identified 213 unauthorized constructions adjacent to the Ganga in Patna and took steps to remove these encroachments. The court clarified that steps would also ensure no further illegal construction or unauthorized encroachment occurs near the Ganga, particularly around Patna.

Kavya Bhatt

Recent Posts

Hina Khan Hails 11 Years Of PM Modi’s Leadership; Highlights National Progress

As the nation marks 11 years under PM Modi's leadership, actress Hina Khan shares her…

6 hours ago

Subhash Ghai Hails PM Modi’s Transformative Vision For India

Subhash Ghai has praised PM Narendra Modi’s leadership for catalysing India’s growth and changing the…

7 hours ago

India & Central Asia Boost Rare Earth Cooperation At Delhi Meet

India and five Central Asian nations have agreed to deepen cooperation on rare earths and…

7 hours ago

PM Modi’s Beej Se Bazaar Tak Vision Reshapes Indian Agriculture

Prime Minister Modi has redefined Indian agriculture with the ‘Beej Se Bazaar Tak’ vision, transforming…

8 hours ago

EV Sales Cross 4% Mark In May; Signalling Steady Shift To Green Mobility

EV sales topped 4% of passenger vehicle retail in May 2025, signalling growing demand for…

8 hours ago

Self-Reliant Defence Industry Marks India’s Strategic Security Ascent

One year into Modi 3.0, reforms have reduced poverty, strengthened defence, and accelerated the digital…

8 hours ago