The Supreme Court has sought a comprehensive status report on encroachments along the banks and floodplains of the Ganga across states, expressing concern over outdated and insufficient data.
A bench of justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan passed the directions while hearing an appeal arising from the disposal of a plea before the National Green Tribunal concerning encroachments along the river in Patna.
The court directed the Union government and states through which the Ganga River flows to file updated reports detailing the current status of encroachments, steps taken to remove them, and the obstacles faced in implementing environmental safeguards.
Encroachments remain widespread along the riverbanks, including areas that are ecologically sensitive and home to freshwater dolphins, the petitioner highlighted.
The bench noted that nearly two years had elapsed without an updated picture, and the report must also clarify the status of floodplain demarcation in each state.
The court also examined the survey conducted by the Bihar government along the Patna stretch of the river, where 213 encroachments were identified, and 58 have been demolished so far.
The matter will now be heard on April 23.
