India's top court has expanded its crackdown on illegal construction along the Ganga to address the wider crisis of river pollution caused by rampant plastic dumping
The Supreme Court has sounded a stern warning about the devastating impact of plastic pollution on India’s rivers and aquatic life. The apex court issued a strong rebuke during a hearing on illegal construction along the Ganga in Patna, expanding the case to encompass the broader issue of river pollution across the country.
A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti expressed grave concern over the unchecked dumping of plastic waste into water bodies. The judges emphasised the urgent need for a collaborative effort between government and citizens to restore the health of India’s rivers.
The court directed the central government to submit a comprehensive report on river pollution within four weeks and ordered the Bihar government to provide details of its actions against illegal constructions along the Ganga in Patna.
Advocate Akash Vashishtha, representing the petitioner, highlighted the critical threat posed by plastic pollution and unauthorised construction to India’s natural resources. The court acknowledged the severity of the issue and ordered the removal of 213 identified illegal structures along the Ganga in Patna.