National Green Tribunal headed by Justice Dr. P. Jyothimani on 16th January, 2015.
The bench has issued notice to the Respondents which include Inland Waterways Authorities of India, Kolkata Port Trust, Department of Irrigation of Government of UP, Farakka Barrage Project, and four Hydropower companies from Uttarakhand.
The applicants have sought compensation for drastic reduction of fish population after construction of Farakka Barrage, dredging activities for navigation, abstraction of water by barrages. Compensation is also sought for the loss of biodiversity, salinity intrusion and land erosion owing to reduced sediment delivery in Sundarban area; and for the loss of aesthetic and cultural value of the Ganga due to construction of barrages & dams that lead to break in flow of the river. Total compensation of Rs. 13,101 Crores per year is claimed from the respondents.
The matter is listed for next hearing on 23rd February, 2015.
The case was filed by Advocate Parul Gupta and argued by Advocate Ankur Sood before the bench. The order can be accessed here
One can visit http://gangawaterway.in/resources/important-reports.html for reports and reference materials related to the issue.
