The Union water resources ministry is mulling to set up a statutory authority to take action against those industrial units polluting the Ganga and its tributaries.
The Union water resources ministry is mulling to set up a statutory authority to take action against those industrial units polluting the Ganga and its tributaries. This power vests currently with the central pollution control board (CPCB).
Speaking at a press conference, the Union water resources, river development and Ganga rejuvenation minister Uma Bharti said: “Now, the authority we are proposing, will have those powers to issue (show cause) notices under the section concerned,” adding, “The independent/autonomous authority will have powers to spend money, besides that of taking action against polluters. Until now, we would recommend to the CPCB to take action against (industrial) polluters under section five of under Environment Protection Act (EPA), 1986 as it has the powers.” A draft of the proposal has been circulated to the law ministry for its consideration and is expected to be put before the Union Cabinet for its approval “soon”. The proposed authority can issue show cause notices or can direct any other authority including the chief secretary of a state to take action against the polluters, secretary, water minister, Shashi Shekhar said, adding, “If they fail to take action, the new authority will approach court seeking to impose penalty on the polluters concerned.”
Ms Bharti also said a “good news” is expected in the next 15 days in connection with the ambitious Ken-Betwa river-linking project, which is stuck “for eight months” for want of environmental clearances. “We have tried to satisfy the concerns of environmentalists for Ken-Betwa. We exp-ect to receive good news in the coming days,” she said.
The minister reiterated that she plans to set off on a two-year-long foot march from October to ensure that the Namami Gange programme is implemented in the desired way and pace and also seek suggestions regarding the Ganga Act which her ministry plans to come up with. A committee headed by Justice Girdhar Malviya (Retd) has been entrusted with responsibility of preparing its draft, which aims at fast tracking the implementation of the programme. “If we have to ensure that the Ganga river remains clean on permanent basis, somebody will have to dedicate himself or herself to the cause. I am thinking to set off on a foot march for two years beginning October,” she said.
