The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken a stand for the Sonali River, a vital tributary of the Ganga, demanding accountability from the Uttarakhand government.
Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
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Public Consultation is Key: The NGT has directed the Uttarakhand government to submit a detailed report on the feedback gathered from stakeholders and the public regarding the Uttarakhand Flood Plain Zoning Act, 2012. This emphasizes the importance of public participation in environmental decision-making.
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Incomplete Demarcation: Despite an August 8th directive, the demarcation and identification of the Sonali river’s floodplain zone remain incomplete. This highlights the government’s failure to prioritize the protection of this vital ecosystem.
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Interim Notification: The government issued an interim notification under the Act on October 4th, failing to meet the stipulated requirements. This raises concerns about the government’s commitment to the Act’s implementation.
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Citizen Advocacy: The case was initiated by VK Tyagi, a concerned citizen, who highlighted the issues of sewage discharge, encroachment, and pollution affecting the Sonali River. This demonstrates the power of individual action in safeguarding the environment.
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Addressing Objections: The government’s counsel argued that affected parties and the public have 60 days to file objections before a final notification is issued. This provides an opportunity for citizens to voice their concerns and influence the final decision.
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Cross-State Collaboration: The court was informed that the survey in Uttar Pradesh is expected to be completed by November 15th in Saharanpur and December 15th in Muzaffarnagar. This underscores the need for inter-state cooperation in protecting shared river systems.
The NGT’s intervention serves as a reminder that the health of our rivers is not just a government responsibility, but a collective concern. It’s a call to action for all stakeholders to work together to ensure the Sonali River’s future.