Dehradun, Oct 9 The principal bench of the National Green Tribunal has sought a reply from the Uttarakhand government over alleged environmental violations along the Sonprayag-Gaurikund-Kedarnath pilgrimage corridor.
The bench comprising NGT chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Afroz Ahmad has issued a notice to the respondent over alleged environmental violations in Uttarakhand.
The green tribunal was hearing an application filed by Noida-based environment and RTI activist Amit Gupta.
The NGT order dated October 6 said, “The applicant has alleged that improperly treated waste-water is flowing in that area, other than untapped drains, inadequate sewer connectivity, insufficient toilet infrastructure and improper management of solid waste.”
The order said the applicant also raised an issue that the sewerage treatment plant (STP) at Kedarnath is of inadequate capacity and there is no proper facility for treatment of sewage and solid waste generated at Sonprayag, Gaurikund and the Kedarnath Dham.
The NGT order also mentions that the applicant has alleged that the 600 KLD STP at Kedarnath is not adequate to treat the sewage generated in that area.
“He (Gupta) also raised an issue that Gaurikund has a treatment facility of 200 KLD, which is not adequate considering the sewage load in that area.
“The applicant has alleged that an STP of at least 1,000 KLD capacity is needed in Kedarnath, and that the solid waste is also improperly managed and is lying scattered in the area concerned,” the order said.
Taking note of the issues raised, the NGT bench observed that the application raises a substantial issue relating to compliance with environmental norms, and directed that notice be issued to the respondents.
The applicant has been directed to serve the respondents and file an affidavit of service at least one week before the next date of hearing.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on December 17.
