Archive · 22 Jul 2026
NGT Seeks NMCG Clarification on Ganga Floodplain Demarcation
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) to explain how they decided the boundaries of the Ganga River's floodplain in Varanasi.
The NGT is concerned that the NMCG's method doesn't match the rules set in 2016, which say the floodplain should be based on a 100-year flood level.
The NMCG has asked Uttar Pradesh to study and mark the floodplain based on floods that happen every 5 or 25 years, using guidelines from the Central Water Commission.
The NGT wants to see these guidelines and has included the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Central Water Commission in the case.
The next hearing is on September 21.
The NGT has asked the NMCG to clarify the criteria used for demarcating the Ganga River's floodplain in Varanasi.
The NMCG has requested Uttar Pradesh to demarcate the floodplain based on one-in-five-year and one-in-25-year return periods, citing CWC guidelines from July 2025.
The NGT argues that the NMCG's criteria do not align with the Ganga Rejuvenation Order of 2016, which specifies a 1:100-year highest flood level.
The tribunal has allowed the applicant's counsel to implead the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Central Water Commission as respondents.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on September 21.
- Who
- National Green Tribunal (NGT), National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), M/s Sri Wari Chemicals Private Ltd
- What
- NGT seeks clarification from NMCG on the criteria used for demarcating the Ganga River's floodplain in Varanasi.
- When
- July 20 (order date), September 21 (next hearing)
- Where
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Why
- To ensure compliance with the Ganga Rejuvenation Order of 2016 and address allegations of illegal construction in the active floodplain zone.
Environmental Concerns
Development and Construction
Demarcation Criteria
Environmental Concerns
The NGT argues that the NMCG's criteria for demarcating the floodplain do not align with the Ganga Rejuvenation Order of 2016, which specifies a 1:100-year highest flood level.
Development and Construction
The NMCG has requested Uttar Pradesh to demarcate the floodplain based on one-in-five-year and one-in-25-year return periods, citing technical guidelines from the Central Water Commission.
Legal Compliance
Environmental Concerns
The applicant's counsel alleges that the construction by M/s Sri Wari Chemicals Private Ltd violates the Allahabad High Court's restrictions and the 2016 Ganga Rejuvenation Order.
Development and Construction
The NMCG has filed an affidavit in response to the tribunal's directions, indicating its adherence to technical guidelines and procedures.
- Date of NGT Order
- July 20
- Next Hearing Date
- September 21
- Applicant's Counsel
- Saurabh Tiwari
- NGT Bench Members
- Justice Prakash Shrivastava and A Senthil Vel
- NMCG Affidavit Date
- July 15
- CWC Guidelines Date
- July 2025
- Construction Company
- M/s Sri Wari Chemicals Private Ltd
- Location of Construction
- Ramghat, Varanasi