NGT FLAGS ENVIRONMENTAL VIOLATIONS IN VARANASI TENT CITY

 Why in the News?

• Green tribunal ruling: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) held that the Varanasi Tent City violated environmental norms.
• Ganga riverbed issue: The project was set up on the river Ganga’s riverbed without mandatory prior clearances.
• Compensation ordered: NGT directed expeditious recovery of environmental compensation from private operators.

NGT’S OBSERVATIONS AND FINDINGS

• Legal violation: The Tent City breached provisions of the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order, 2016.
• Clearance lapse: Prior environmental approval was sought after project implementation, as noted by National Mission for Clean Ganga.
• Pollution concerns: Allegations included direct sewage discharge into the river, harming flora and fauna.
• Accountability gap: Environmental compensation had been levied but not recovered.
• Preventive direction: Authorities told to ensure no future Tent Cities are set up in violation of norms on the Ganga or its tributaries.

RELATED ISSUES AND CONTEXT

• Inauguration: The Tent City was inaugurated in January 2023 by Narendra Modi.
• Wildlife concern: Petitioner claimed the site fell under Kachhua Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Pending matter: NGT refrained from examining sanctuary de-notification as it is sub judice before the Supreme Court of India.
• Private operators: The project was run by two private companies.
• Urban tourism vs ecology: Case highlights tension between tourism infrastructure and riverine ecology.