NGT Criticizes NMCG for Inadequate Action on Sewage Treatment in Bihar

In an order passed last week, a bench of NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava noted that the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) had filed a report dated August 9, which highlighted issues with the capacity utilization of existing Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and the non-operational status of certain infrastructure. The report revealed that “the number of polluted stretches of rivers in Bihar has increased over time,” the bench—comprising Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member A Senthil Vel—stated.

The bench also noted that the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) had submitted two reports concerning the status of STPs in the state and the water quality of the Ganga between January 2023 and March 2024. The first report indicated that NMCG had provided financial assistance for 32 STP projects with a cumulative capacity of 740.60 million litres per day (MLD) in Bihar, involving an expenditure of Rs 4,866.11 crore under the Namami Gange Programme across 12 districts. These projects are designed to meet the required standards for the treatment of faecal coliform and disinfection.

However, the tribunal observed, “The chart (regarding the status of STPs) clearly indicates that a very limited number of STPs have been completed. The chart does not confirm if the constructed STPs have been operationalized.” The tribunal also noted the mission’s second report about the water quality of the Ganga meeting the “primary water quality criteria for bathing” across all locations in the state concerning pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), faecal streptococci, and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD).

“River water quality is not meeting the primary water quality criteria for bathing with faecal coliform in the entire stretch of Bihar except at one location, namely Arrah Chapra Road Bridge,” the report stated.

Expressing its dissatisfaction, the tribunal remarked, “Despite the absence of proper sewage treatment facilities and inadequate STPs in Bihar, and the increasing number of polluted stretches, no strict action has been taken by the NMCG.” It has instructed the executive director of NMCG to file an affidavit explaining the reasons for the lack of action against state authorities and non-compliance with the 2017 Supreme Court order to set up STPs within the stipulated three-year timeline.

The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on November 25, 2024.