Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Bharat Jhunjhunwala & Others Vs Inland Waterways Authority & Others dated 02/09/2021.

The issue for consideration was whether EIA is necessary for navigation infrastructure in the river Ganga in the stretch from Allahabad to Haldia also known as the National Waterway 1 (NW1) undertaken by Inland Waterways Authority of India. The project envisages developmental activities such as river terminal, jetties and locks and barrages and 4 multimodal river water terminals along with necessary dredging operations. It is estimated to cost ₹4,200 crores and is likely to take 6 years to be completed.

The NGT, January 10, 2020 sought a report from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) on the requirement of EIA - which was not furnished till date.

The NGT, September 2, 2021 was informed that the matter might be within the purview of the Ministry of Jal Shakti instead of MoEF&CC and thus notice would be issued to the Ministry of Jal Shakti as well as the MoEF&CC for their views on the matter.