National Green Tribunal Investigates Dal Lake Pollution

Dal Lake in Srinagar is facing severe pollution, with reports indicating that over 85% of the city's untreated sewage is entering the lake, alongside waste from houseboats. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has intervened by forming a committee, composed of members from various environmental agencies, to investigate the pollution sources and propose remedial measures within three months. This committee will also address the significant urban mismanagement contributing to the lake's degradation. In a related case, the NGT has expressed dissatisfaction with West Bengal's response to Ganga River pollution, highlighting numerous untreated sewage discharges and insufficient infrastructure despite prior deadlines for treatment plant construction. The NGT has mandated the state environment secretary to provide a response regarding these shortcomings. Both situations underscore the urgent need for effective environmental governance and infrastructure improvements to safeguard these vital water bodies.