NGT Finds Varanasi ‘Tent City’ in Violation of Environmental Norms

Context:
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) held that the Varanasi Tent City, inaugurated in January 2023, violated environmental regulations under the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order, 2016.

Key Highlights:

Findings of NGT

• Project allegedly:
  • Polluted the Ganga riverbed
  • Harmed flora and fauna
  • Discharged sewage directly into the river
• Environmental compensation levied (yet to be recovered).
• Directed authorities to prevent similar projects on Ganga banks.

Regulatory Concerns

• Application for prior approval reportedly submitted after implementation.
• Alleged de-notification of Kachhua (Turtle) Wildlife Sanctuary in 2020.
• Matter of de-notification pending before Supreme Court.

Institutional Involvement

• National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) reported procedural lapses.
• NGT exercised jurisdiction under environmental protection laws.

Relevant Prelims Points:

• National Green Tribunal (NGT)
  • Established under NGT Act, 2010.
  • Specialized environmental court.
  • Applies principles:
    • Sustainable Development
    • Polluter Pays
    • Precautionary Principle
• River Ganga Authorities Order, 2016
  • Framework for protection and rejuvenation.
• National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
  • Implementing arm of Namami Gange Programme.
• Wildlife Sanctuary De-notification
  • Governed under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Relevant Mains Points:

1. Environmental Governance

• Highlights gap between:
  • Development projects
  • Environmental compliance
• Reinforces importance of:
  • Prior Environmental Clearance (EC)
  • River regulation frameworks

2. River Ecosystem Protection

• Ganga is:
  • Ecologically fragile
  • Economically vital
• Riverbed construction affects:
  • Aquatic biodiversity
  • Sediment flow

3. Judicial Activism in Environmental Protection

• NGT plays key role in:
  • Enforcing compliance
  • Ensuring accountability
• Demonstrates application of Polluter Pays Principle.

4. Governance Challenges

• Delayed approvals.
• Post-facto clearances.
• Political sensitivity of high-profile projects.

Way Forward

• Strict enforcement of environmental impact assessments.
• Transparent approval mechanisms.
• Scientific river zone demarcation.
• Sustainable tourism models for riverfront development.

UPSC Relevance:

• GS 3: Environment & Ecology – River conservation
• GS 2: Governance – Environmental regulation
• Prelims: NGT Act, Environmental principles, Ganga Authorities Order