NGT seeks UP govt’s response on plea over ‘open defecation’ at Maha Kumbh
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken cognizance of a plea alleging a lack of adequate sanitation facilities at the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela, resulting in open defecation on the banks of the Ganga river. In response, the NGT has sought the Uttar Pradesh government’s response to the plea, which was filed by an applicant who also submitted video clips of open defecation as evidence.
The plea, filed by an unknown applicant, claims that despite the large number of devotees and pilgrims attending the Maha Kumbh Mela, the UP government has failed to provide adequate sanitation facilities, leading to open defecation in the open spaces and on the banks of the Ganga river. The applicant has alleged that this has not only led to environmental pollution but also posed a significant risk to public health.
The NGT has issued a notice to the UP government, seeking its response to the plea within four weeks. The Tribunal has also directed the applicant to submit the pen drive containing the video clips of open defecation, which was submitted along with the plea.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, which is one of the largest and most sacred Hindu pilgrimages, is being held in Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) from January 15 to March 4. The event is expected to attract millions of devotees and pilgrims from across the country and abroad.
The lack of adequate sanitation facilities at the Maha Kumbh Mela has been a long-standing issue, with previous instances of open defecation and environmental pollution reported by various organizations and media outlets. Despite this, the UP government has failed to take adequate measures to address the issue, leading to concerns about the impact on public health and the environment.
The NGT’s notice to the UP government is a significant development in this regard, as it highlights the need for the government to take immediate action to address the issue of open defecation and provide adequate sanitation facilities at the Maha Kumbh Mela.
The NGT’s move is also significant in light of the growing concerns about environmental pollution and public health in India. The country is facing a severe water crisis, with many cities and towns struggling to provide clean drinking water to their residents. The lack of adequate sanitation facilities is also a major concern, with many communities and cities lacking access to proper toilets and sanitation facilities.
The Maha Kumbh Mela is a significant event in India’s religious calendar, and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that the event is conducted in a manner that is safe and hygienic for all participants. The NGT’s notice to the UP government is a reminder of the importance of providing adequate sanitation facilities and addressing the issue of open defecation at the Maha Kumbh Mela.
In conclusion, the NGT’s notice to the UP government seeking its response on the plea over open defecation at the Maha Kumbh Mela is a significant development that highlights the need for immediate action to address this issue. The government must take adequate measures to provide adequate sanitation facilities and address the issue of open defecation at the Maha Kumbh Mela to ensure the health and safety of all participants.
