Build special ghats for religious items: National Green Tribunal

NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal has directed Irrigation and Flood Control Department and concerned authorities to build special ghats on the banks of Yamuna where people can immerse idols and other religious offerings which will then be disposed of in a scientific manner.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar, in a recent judgement, prohibited individuals from "throwing pooja material or any other item like food-grain, oil, etc into Yamuna".

"We direct the concerned authorities, particularly, the Irrigation Department and concerned Corporations or authorities to build special ghats on the banks of Yamuna, where people could offer or immerse such materials, which shall then be duly collected by the concerned authorities for immediate and proper disposal in a scientific manner.

"It shall be ensured that no such material is permitted to join the main stream of the river at any point. In this regard they may take such steps, as may be technically advised, including, providing of screens and barricades," the bench said.

With regard to the waste lying on the banks of the entire stretch of Yamuna, the Tribunal has ordered its removal within four months by the concerned authorities.

The tribunal's verdict came while hearing a petition filed by Manoj Kumar Mishra of the Yamuna Jiye Abhiyan, seeking a ban on dumping of rubble into Yamuna and ensuring cleaning of the river.