NEW DELHI – The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has raised serious objections to the ongoing practice of discharging domestic and industrial waste into stormwater drains in Varanasi. During a hearing on August 29, the tribunal stated that these drains are meant exclusively for rainwater and that connecting them to sewage treatment plants (STPs) could lead to the plants being overloaded, particularly during the monsoon season.
The case focuses on the continued discharge of untreated waste into the Ganga River. While the Uttar Pradesh government sought more time to submit its action plan, the NGT, led by Chairman Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Ishwar Singh, expressed its concerns directly to the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).
According to reports, Varanasi has 48 sewage-carrying drains, with 32 connected to STPs and the remaining 16 either incomplete or unconnected. The NGT’s previous rulings have already prohibited the mixing of sewage with rainwater in these drains.
Given the absence of an NMCG representative at the hearing, the tribunal has ordered the Director-General or another competent officer to appear at the next hearing and provide a written response. The NGT has demanded clarification on how permission can be granted for such a practice and what a permanent solution would entail.
The tribunal also directed the NMCG to explain the potential impact of a combined inflow of rainwater and sewage on the treatment capacity of the STPs. The next hearing for the case is scheduled for November 20, 2025. This case highlights the persistent challenges in managing urban waste and the continued efforts required to protect the sanctity of the Ganga River.