Kumbh 2019: NGT bans commercial activities within 100 metres of Ganga in UP

Leasing, auction, encroachments, anti-pollution activities to be deemed illegal; state irrigation and urban development depts named nodal agencies

India’s green watchdog, National Green Tribunal (NGT), has banned all development and commercial activities near river Ganga between Bijnore district and Unnao-Kanpur region in Uttar Pradesh.

In its directive, NGT has declared the area falling within 100-metre periphery on either side of Ganga as ‘no development/no construction zone’ with the result that any commercial activity, leasing, auction, encroachments, and anti-pollution activities would be deemed illegal.

In the run-up to Kumbh Mela 2019 during Jan-March, the central and state agencies have raised the level of pollution control monitoring and checks for ensuring a cleaner Ganga. More than 120 million pilgrims and tourists are