Varanasi ‘Tent City’, inaugurated by PM, violated environmental norms: NGT, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) stated that the Varanasi Tent City, inaugurated on January 13, 2023, violated environmental laws.
• The NGT order, dated January 8, noted the Tent City was set up and operated against the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order, 2016.
• The NGT has levied environmental compensation for the violations, which is yet to be recovered.
• Allegations included polluting the riverbed and water, harming flora and fauna, and direct sewage discharge into the Ganga.

Detailed Insights:

• The NGT has directed government authorities to prevent the establishment of similar Tent Cities on the banks of the Ganga or its tributaries in the future.
• An application alleged that the Tent City was set up at the location of the former Kachhua Wildlife Sanctuary, which was allegedly de-notified in 2020.
• The NGT refrained from addressing the de-notification of the turtle sanctuary as the matter is pending before the Supreme Court.
• The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) reported in October 2023 that the application for prior approval for the Tent City project was submitted after the project's implementation in 2022.

Key Concepts Involved:

• National Green Tribunal (NGT): A specialized judicial body in India that handles environmental disputes.
• Environmental Norms: Standards and regulations designed to protect the environment from pollution and degradation.
• River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order, 2016: An order for the rejuvenation, protection and management of the River Ganga.