High Court Reserves Judgment On Plea To Clear Kumbh Waste In Prayagraj

Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court has reserved its judgment on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking the removal of large-scale waste and debris left behind by the Mela Administration in the Maha Kumbh area after the conclusion of the event in February 2025.

A division bench comprising Justice Jayant Banerji and Justice Madan Pal Singh reserved the decision after completing the hearing on the matter.

PIL against Mela administration in Maha Kumbh zone

Law student Anshika Pandey and others filed the PIL citing serious environmental concerns.

The petitioners conducted a field inspection on foot under harsh summer conditions and documented waste scattered across the 45-km stretch along the banks of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in the Maha Kumbh zone.

They claimed the administration abandoned construction debris and waste at the site after the Kumbh Mela ended in February 2025.

Garbage disrupts farming and pollutes residential areas

The petition stated that the waste disrupted floodplain farming, affecting crops like cucumber and bitter gourd.

The Jhunsi riverbank neighbourhoods have also been affected by foul odours and pollution, causing distress to residents.

The PIL warned that with the onset of monsoon rains, this garbage will wash into the Ganga river, polluting its waters and endangering aquatic flora and fauna, posing a serious ecological crisis.

Petition seeks urgent Court direction to clear waste

The petitioners urged the High Court to direct authorities to clear all Maha Kumbh waste before the monsoon begins.

The PIL seeks urgent action to protect the Ganga-Yamuna and prevent environmental harm from administrative neglect.

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