Response by National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in Original Application No 200 of 2014 (M C Mehta Vs Union of India & Others).

The matter related to prevention, control and abatement of pollution in river Ganga and its tributaries with respect to the state of Uttarakhand.

The NGT, February 9, 2024 had directed the NMCG to examine, particularly in the context of hill towns, on permitting/discharging treated sewage into streams and rivers subject to standards to be prescribed for maintaining sanctity and wholesomeness as per Water Act, 1974. The funding of NMCG in Ganga states should have due consideration in regard of duly approved sewage treatment facilities and their compliance with discharge standards and clarification on acceptability of septic tanks and soak pit systems particularly for hill towns.

With respect to STPs constructed in Uttarakhand - all the STPs which have been funded by NMCG are designed conforming to environmental norms. NMCG has funded 54 STPs (219.82 MLD) in the state, and all of them are as per norms. Of them, 34 STPs (140.40 MLD) have been completed, and the remaining are at various stages of completion. The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) while considering new proposals for the STPs or upgradation of the existing STPs is duly considering such proposal with due diligence and keeping in view the environmental norms directed by the NGT to ensure the safeguards, particularly the quality of water to be maintained in river Ganga and its tributaries, said the report, April 18, 2024.