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SC Seeks Nationwide Report on Ganga Encroachments, Flags Illegal Constructions

The Supreme Court has directed the Union government and Ganga basin states to submit a comprehensive report on illegal constructions and encroachments along the river's banks and floodplains. The bench was hearing an appeal concerning encroachments in Patna, where 213 structures were identified in 2023, with 58 demolished and 145 remaining. The court emphasized that the issue extends beyond Bihar and requires examination across all states through which the Ganga flows. It also sought details on the implementation of a 2016 environmental notification for the river's protection and management.

Key Points: SC Demands Ganga Encroachment Report, Issues Notices to States

  • SC flags illegal Ganga encroachments
  • Seeks nationwide status report from Centre & states
  • 213 encroachments identified in Patna stretch in 2023
  • Next hearing posted for April 23, 2026
2 min read

SC flags illegal encroachments on Ganga banks; seeks nationwide status report

Supreme Court seeks nationwide status report on illegal constructions along Ganga banks, directs Centre and states to detail removal steps. Hearing on April 23, 2026.

"We would like to have a comprehensive detailed report highlighting the current status insofar as encroachments are concerned in all the states... - Justice Pardiwala-led Bench"

New Delhi, March 14

The Supreme Court has sought a comprehensive status report on illegal constructions and encroachments along the banks and floodplains of the Ganga across multiple states, while issuing notices to several Ganga basin states to assist the apex court in addressing the issue.

A Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan directed the Union government, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), and states through which the river flows to place before it a detailed report on the present status of encroachments and the steps taken to remove them.

The Justice Pardiwala-led Bench was hearing an appeal filed by Ashok Kumar Sinha challenging a 2020 order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) dismissing his plea alleging encroachments on the floodplains of the Ganga in Patna.

During the hearing, advocate Akash Vashishtha, appearing for the petitioner, informed the top court that 213 encroachments were identified in 2023 along the stretch between Digha Ghat and Nauzar Ghat in Patna, out of which 58 have been demolished, while 145 structures remain, partly due to interim orders passed by several courts.

Noting concerns about widespread encroachments, the apex court observed that the issue was not confined to Bihar and required a broader examination across all Ganga basin states, including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Haryana, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

"We would like to have a comprehensive detailed report highlighting the current status insofar as encroachments are concerned in all the states from where river Ganga is flowing or passing through," the Justice Pardiwala-led Bench said in its order.

The top court also asked the authorities to clarify the measures taken to implement the 2016 notification issued under the Environment (Protection) Act for rejuvenation, protection and management of the Ganga. Among other details, the Justice Pardiwala-led Bench sought information on steps taken to implement the provisions of the notification, hurdles faced by authorities in its enforcement, and the measures proposed to ensure that riverbanks and floodplains remain free from encroachments.

"What steps the Authority intends to take to protect the river Ganga passing through all the states and ensure that the river plains and banks are free of all encroachments," the order stated. The matter has been posted for further hearing on April 23, 2026, and will continue to be treated as part-heard.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I fully support cleaning the Ganga, I hope the court and authorities also consider rehabilitation for the poor families who might be living in these encroachments. Simply demolishing without a plan creates more human suffering. A balanced approach of protection and compassion is needed.
V
Vikram M
The 2016 notification has been gathering dust for 8 years! What were the NMCG and state governments doing? This is a classic case of lack of political will. Encroachments by powerful hotel and resort owners in Rishikesh and Haridwar are an open secret. Will the report name them?
S
Sarah B
As someone who visited Varanasi last year, the construction right up to the ghats was shocking. It's not just illegal, it's dangerous during floods. The SC's move for a consolidated report from all basin states is the right step. Hope this leads to concrete, coordinated action.
R
Rohit P
Good step by SC. But the hearing is in April 2026? That's two years away! By then, hundreds more illegal structures will come up. The court should set strict quarterly monitoring deadlines. This 'chalta hai' attitude is why our rivers are dying.
K
Karthik V
The article mentions interim orders from other courts protecting 145 structures. This is a huge loophole. Powerful people get stays and the demolition drive stalls. The Supreme Court must issue clear guidelines to lower courts to not grant such stays in environmental matters so easily.

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