Beautification of Saraswati ghat on anvil: Govt tells NGT
Times of India | 17 May 2025
Kolkata: The long-neglected Saraswati river is finally showing signs of revival, thanks to a series of restoration initiatives taken up by the Bengal govt, including beautification of one of the ghats.These measures were triggered by a petition from environmental activist Subhas Datta and a subsequent directive from theNational Green Tribunal.In response to the NGT's Jan 20 directive, state chief secretary Manoj Pant submitted a comprehensive action taken report to the Eastern Zonal Bench of the tribunal. The affidavit outlines cross-departmental efforts to mitigate pollution, restore ecological balance, and involve local communities in the river's upkeep. The irrigation and waterways department spearheaded dredging operations along both the north and south stretches of the river. KMDA is preparing a detailed project report for liquid waste and septage management with the help of NABCONS, a govt consultancy. A proposal for beautifying Tribeni Sangam Ghat was submitted to National Mission for Clean Ganga. PWD reported bridges on Howrah-Amta Road, Makardah-Begri Road, and Andul Road were encroachment-free and have not disrupted the river's flow. Howrah district administration also started eco-livelihood and waste management programmes.But Datta said: "Encroachments exist, bridges have been constructed illegally, and the dredging claims are questionable."