Ganga, Yamuna project kept NGT busy in 2017

The National Green Tribunal ( NGT) in 2017 admonished the NDA government for failing to rejuvenate the holy Ganga and Yamuna.

The green panel did not spare any one, including Sri Sri Ravi , Shankar’s Art of Living for damaging Yamuna floodplains.

Not only did the the verdict on Ganga embarrass the Union government, but the tribunal’s remarks that “non- cooperation” and “lack of will” of its instrumentalities were resulting in “inordinate delay” in cleaning the stretch of river Yamuna also put it on a backfoot.

While milestone judgements such as refusing to lift the ban on 10- year- old diesel vehicles brought kudos from environmental experts, a pro- active NGT drew ire from Hindu religious groups for capping pilgrims at Vaishno Devi and asking them to maintain silence in front of the shivalinga at Amarnath.

However, in the wake of protests, the tribunal came out with a clarification that there was no ban on chanting of mantras or performing of aarti inside the cave at Amarnath.

Taking note of the sound pollution caused by use of loud speakers at religious places, including mosques, the NGT directed adherence to the norms on noise pollution and ordered action in case of any violations.

It also took a tough stand on animal blood seeping into Yamuna and directed the authorities concerned to ensure that no blood should be allowed to flow into the river due to slaughtering of animals.

With the end of the year, the NGT witnessed its chairperson justice Swatanter Kumar retiring from his post and justice U. D. Salvi taking over the reins as the acting NGT chairperson.

Jantar Mantar, which was the hotspot of all protests and dharnas, got rid off all such activities, thanks against to NGT.

Worsening air quality led the NGT to direct Delhi, Haryana, UP, Rajasthan and Punjab to submit plans to deal with of air pollution.