Ganga water in Bengal deemed unfit for bathing; Here's why

New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) issued a stern warning to West Bengal authorities following alarming revelations that the entire stretch of the Ganga River within the state is unsuitable for bathing due to heightened levels of faecal coliform bacteria. This significant development unfolded during a hearing dedicated to addressing pollution in the Ganga River across multiple states, where the NGT examined a report submitted by West Bengal in response to prior directives.

NGT's concerns, directives

Expressing profound apprehension, Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson of the NGT bench, underscored the urgent need to address the rampant discharge of approximately 258.67 million litres per day of untreated sewage directly into the river. The NGT raised red flags over inadequate sewage treatment infrastructure across several West Bengal districts, including Purba Medinipur, which shockingly lacks a single Sewage Treatment Plant (STP).

BGT's urgent call for action

The NGT cautioned West Bengal authorities about potential penalties if substantial progress isn’t demonstrated in curbing untreated sewage discharge into the Ganga. The bench emphasized the necessity for establishing Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and outlined the need for accountability from District Magistrates to meet sewage treatment targets.

Directives to combat pollution

Highlighting the alarming rise in faecal coliform levels, rendering the water unfit for bathing, the NGT mandated the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) to conduct a comprehensive performance audit. The audit aims to assess waste generation, treatment efforts, and pollution levels in each district along the Ganga's mainstream.