‘Centre, states passing buck on Ganga cleaning’

The National Green Tribunal on Monday blamed both the Centre and the states of passing the buck on cleaning of the river Ganga, as it convened a high-level meeting next week to discuss implementation of the first phase of Ganga Action Plan (GAP).

“After deliberation, it is clear that we will hold the meeting of officers regarding implementation of Phase-1 of Ganga Action Plan (GAP) as various orders passed by the <g data-gr-id="34">triare</g> not complied with,” a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar said.

Blaming the Centre and the states for passing the buck on the issue for a long time, the bench <g data-gr-id="17">said</g> “it’s a federal structure. Does the Centre owe <g data-gr-id="47">responsibility</g> to clear everything or the state should also share the responsibility. We have to look into this aspect and fix accountability accordingly.” 

The green panel then directed the secretary or additional secretary of the Environment and Forests Ministry, secretary of Water Resources Ministry, chief secretaries of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, member secretary of pollution control boards of both states and other officials to be present on October 19 for the meeting.