The West Bengal state government has officially informed the National Green Tribunal that a thorough and comprehensive clean-up operation for the Saraswati river, which has been severely affected by sewage discharge and rampant solid waste dumping, is currently underway. However, this extensive environmental restoration project is anticipated to take nearly two full years to complete following the necessary project approvals.
Government Submits Detailed Affidavit to NGT
In a detailed affidavit filed in strict compliance with a National Green Tribunal order dated November 20, 2025, Chief Secretary Nandini Chakravorty outlined the state's proactive measures. The affidavit clearly states that concrete steps have already been initiated to prevent further pollution and to address the issue of encroachment along the river's banks. The Saraswati river, which flows through the important districts of Hooghly and Howrah before its confluence with the sacred Ganges, has been a focal point of environmental concern for years.
Judicial Bench Reviews the Case
The matter was heard by a dedicated tribunal bench comprising Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi, serving as the judicial member, and Ishwar Singh, who acted as the expert member. This bench is responsible for overseeing the implementation of environmental directives and ensuring governmental accountability in ecological matters.
Environmental Activist Raises Concerns Over Non-Compliance
The action-taken report was formally submitted in response to a case originally filed by the prominent environmental activist Subhas Datta. Datta has consistently alleged long-standing and systematic non-compliance with previous environmental orders concerning the Saraswati river. Expressing his dissatisfaction, Datta stated, "There has been practically no compliance for several years. No accountability has been fixed for the ongoing degradation." He further criticized the submitted affidavit, describing it as "replete with unrelated things" that do not adequately address the core issues of pollution and enforcement.
Comprehensive Cleanup Strategy Underway
The state government's plan involves a multi-faceted approach to river restoration. This includes not only the removal of accumulated solid waste and the treatment of sewage inflows but also measures to prevent future encroachments and illegal dumping activities. The projected timeline of two years post-approval highlights the complexity and scale of the intervention required to rehabilitate this vital water body.
The ongoing legal and administrative proceedings underscore the critical need for sustained environmental governance and timely execution of cleanup projects to protect Kolkata's hydrological heritage and public health.
