Lucknow, December 16: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a ban on plastic items like carry bags, plates etc in Haridwar and Rishikesh, located on the banks of the River Ganga.
The move was taken to to tackle and prevent pollution of the Ganga. The NGT passed the direction after noting that despite its earlier order, plastic was being used in these areas causing pollution to the river. The green panel was hearing a plea of environmentalist MC Mehta.
However, the use of plastic items continued unabated. The tribunal’s earlier directions were also aimed at making the Ganga pollution-free, thereby allowing devotees to take a dip and collect clean water from the river.
In July and December 2015, the bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar had expressed displeasure at the pathetic state of affairs on the banks of the river Ganga and had reprimanded the civic authorities.