The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has launched suo motu proceedings following an IIT-Roorkee study revealing that groundwater, rather than glacier melt, sustains the Ganga’s summer flow across the plains up to Patna. The move underscores growing concerns over river management and adherence to environmental norms.
A bench comprising Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Members Dr. A. Senthil Vel and Dr. Prashant Gargava took cognisance of the issue during the hearing on August 20. The study’s findings, based on isotope analysis of the Ganga and its tributaries, indicate that glacier melt contributes minimally once the river enters the plains. Groundwater was shown to enhance the river’s volume by nearly 120 per cent, while roughly 58 per cent of the water is lost to evaporation during summer.
The study suggests that flagship initiatives such as Namami Gange and Jal Shakti Abhiyan should focus more on groundwater recharge, aquifer management, wetland restoration, and revival of tributaries to maintain a perennial flow.
Also read: Ganga breaches danger mark, schools closed in Sahibganj
Highlighting potential violations of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, the Tribunal observed that the matter raises serious concerns regarding statutory compliance. Referring to the Supreme Court ruling in Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs. Ankita Sinha and Others (2021), the bench reiterated its authority to take up issues suo motu.
The Tribunal has impleaded four agencies as respondents: the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation; the National Mission for Clean Ganga; and the Central Ground Water Board. Each has been directed to file replies via affidavit at least one week before the next hearing. Officials submitting replies without legal representation must appear virtually to assist the Tribunal. The next hearing is scheduled for November 10, 2025.
Follow us
