Ganga river pollution: All drains to be geo-tagged

25 May 2023 CW Team

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered that all drains carrying discharge from villages located on the banks of the Ganga river be geo-tagged to prevent solid waste from flowing into the river.

The NGT said that the geo-tagged drains will be shared with urban local bodies, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and rural Swachh Bharat Mission (G) for initiating immediate action.

The NGT's order comes after a senior NMCG official informed the tribunal that due to the construction of a tunnel at Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand, debris was being dumped along the banks of the Ganga, which was causing an increase in the level of solid waste pollution in the river water.

The official also pointed out that at many locations along the banks of the Ganga, solid waste is being dumped, which is making its way into the river water.

"This is creating problems in treatment of the waste water at STPs (sewage treatment plants). In this regard, the secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti, stated that funds under AMRUT 2.0 could be used to install screens and stop solid waste from making its way into the river water. He also sought cooperation from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in this regard," the NGT's order stated.

The NGT's order is a welcome step in the fight against Ganga river pollution. However, it remains to be seen how effectively the order will be implemented.

The NGT has also directed the chief secretaries of all states and Union territories to file further progress reports every six months. This will help the tribunal to monitor the implementation of its order and take necessary action if required.

The NGT's order is a reminder that solid waste management is a serious problem in India. The government needs to take urgent steps to address this problem and protect the environment.

Also Read
India to Mandate Use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel by 2025
GreenLine to add 1,500 LNG trucks in India

Resources

09 Mar 2026

Haworth India Hosts Women’s Leadership Panel Series

Haworth India marked International Women’s Day by hosting a leadership roundtable series titled ‘Give to Gain’, bringing together senior women leaders from architecture and design firms, corporates and project management consultancies. The series has been conducted in Delhi and Mumbai, with upcoming sessions scheduled in Bengaluru and Hyderabad on 27 March 2026. Structured as moderated panel discussions followed by audience interaction, the initiative examined the business impact of women’s leadership and the role of inclusive workplaces in supporting professional growth. Manish Khan..

Max Estates Secures RERA For Max One Project

Max Estates has secured RERA approval (UPRERA No.: UPRERAPRJ9759) for its Max One development around Max Towers in Sector 16B, Noida, bringing renewed progress to a project previously stalled following the insolvency of its earlier developer. Spread across around 10 acres with an estimated development potential of about 2.5 million sq ft, Max One is planned as an integrated mixed-use campus combining serviced residences, premium offices, retail spaces and a private club. The project is expected to generate total sales potential of about Rs 20 billion along with an estimated annuity rental inc..

Hindware Introduces Starc Smart Wall Mount Toilet

Hindware has introduced the Starc Smart Wall-Mount Toilet under its Hindware Italian Collection, designed to combine automation, hygiene and contemporary bathroom aesthetics. The model features automatic flushing, sensor-based seat opening and closing, and remote-controlled functions. It also includes an oscillating water spray and warm air dryer for cleaning, along with a self-cleaning nozzle designed to maintain hygiene. Additional features include adjustable heated seating, customisable water temperature and pressure settings, a foot-touch flush system and an LCD control interface. The wa..