on Wednesday criticised state agencies for failing to clean Kestopur and Bagjola canals, even nine years after the issue first came under its scanner. Calling the delay "unacceptable", the eastern zone bench directed the state authorities to file affidavits on solid waste removal, encroachment clearing and sewage diversion, along with timelines and budget allocations.
A bench of Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi (judicial member) and Ishwar Singh (expert member) heard the matter. Activist Subhas Datta appeared in person via video conference. The state was represented by multiple counsels but two agencies were unrepresented.
The case dates back to 2016, when the tribunal took suo motu cognisance of severe pollution of the two canals, which carry untreated sewage and effluents into the Hooghly.
Despite multiple orders—including a key directive on May 23, 2022—compliance remained incomplete, prompting the tribunal to reopen the matter.
On reviewing the latest affidavits, the bench said the canals could be saved with the cleaning of solid waste, stopping of further dumping of waste, eviction of encroachments from the banks and tapping of all drains discharging untreated sewage into the canals.
NGT empowered the state PCB to issue orders under Water Act and Air Act, with strict deadlines.