SC directs Bihar to remove encroachments near Ganga river
The Hindu
SC orders Bihar to remove 213 unauthorised constructions from Ganga floodplains in Patna. No further construction to take place. Plea filed by Patna resident against illegal structures and encroachments on eco-fragile floodplains. SC noted risk to life and property, destruction of habitat and biodiversity, and contamination of groundwater. 520 acres of ecologically sensitive Ganga floodplain usurped.
The Supreme Court has ordered the Bihar government to clear unauthorised constructions from the floodplains of river Ganga, especially in and around Patna.
The order came on an affidavit filed by Bihar identifying 213 unauthorised constructions near the river. The State said it was taking measures to remove the encroachments.
A Bench of Justices Aniruddha Bose and Augustine George Masih directed the State government to file an affidavit informing it about the removal of identified illegal structures.
“The State shall also ensure no further construction takes place adjacent to the river Ganga particularly in and around the city of Patna,” the Bench directed.
The top court was hearing a plea filed by Patna resident Ashok Kumar Sinha against the June 30, 2020, order of the National Green Tribunal dismissing his plea against illegal constructions and permanent encroachments on the eco-fragile floodplains.
The plea contended that the tribunal passed the order without examining the detailed particulars of the violators encroaching upon the Ganga floodplains in Patna submitted by the appellant.
“The illegal and unauthorised constructions and permanent encroachments on the floodplain of Ganga are creating tremendous amounts of waste, noise and generating vast quantum of sewage,” the plea filed through advocate Akash Vashishtha said.
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