M. C. MEHTA Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) HEARD learned amicus curiae, learned counsel appearing for Union of India and States of U.P, Uttaranchal, West Bengal and learned counsel for C.P.C.B.

(2.) THERE was large scale pollution caused by untreated sewage being let into the riven by the various municipalities/nagar palikas and also by the industries on either side of the river letting their toxic untreated industrial effluents into the river. The river Ganges passes through five States and there are about 29 major cities, 23 medium cities and about 48 towns. The scheme for cleaning Ganges started in the year 1985 and the Union Government allocated about Rs. 949 crores. Ganga Action Plan (Phase I), Rs. 451 crores were released by the Government of India to the States of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal. For Ganga Action Plan (Phase II) Rs. 279 crores has been released to five States - U.P., Bihar, Uttaranchal, Jharkhand and West Bengal. But the results have been far from satisfactory.

(3.) THE Public Accounts Committee (2005-2006) in their 26th Report before the Parliament has also stated that there are shortfalls in respect of achievement of overall targets and there is urgent need to further strengthen the monitoring of work.