Asks government to explain why Central Pollution Control Board has no chairperson for the past six months
.jpg "Giant sewage pipes spew slimy green filth into the Ganga not far from where people soap themselves vigorously or pray immersed in the waters ((Photo: Latha Jishnu)")
The Supreme Court on Wednesday rapped the Centre over its failure to present the vision on cleaning Ganga. It also slammed the government for delay in taking steps to stop the pollution that comes from effluents discharged by industries.
“You are unable to tell us your vision stage-wise on cleaning the holy river Ganga and your ultimate aim," the Supreme Court said, as quoted in an NDTV report. The court also suggested that the project needed "an expert with a vision"; and cited the example of E Sreedharan, the man who built Delhi Metro.
Talking tough on pollution control measures, the court asked the Centre to explain why the post of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) chairperson had been vacant for the past six months. "The pollution control board has to stop industries polluting the Ganga. Those supposed to prevent pollution are not doing their work and are being bribed. Heads must roll," the Supreme Court ordered.
Before this, in September, the SC had rebuked the Centre for submitting an affidavit with an action plan “that may not help to clean Ganga even after 200 years”.
Question raised in Rajya Sabha on irregularities in expenditure on cleaning of Ganga, 21/07/2014
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