NGT takes up plea against easing Ganga floodplain construction norms

Image for the purpose of representation only. | Photo Credit: File The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Tuesday (August 25, 2026) took up an application challenging a Ministry of Jal Shakti notification published in the Gazette on August 10, 2026.The applicant, advocate Katyayni, has challenged the amendment to the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order, 2016, contending that it dilutes the earlier protection requiring the banks and floodplains of the Ganga and its tributaries to be maintained as a construction-free zone.The Union government has eased restrictions governing construction along the Ganga floodplain, paving the way for building projects in areas subject to moderate or rare flooding. This has been done by revising the definition of a ‘flood plain’ and deleting a clause in the legislation that expressly prohibited construction, according to an August 10 Gazette order from the National Mission for Clean Ganga, affiliated to the Jal Shakti Ministry.The Tribunal noted that the issue raised in the present application is already pending consideration in another case.The Tribunal has issued notice to the respondent, the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, including on the applicant’s prayer for interim relief. The applicant has been directed to file an affidavit at least one week before the next date of hearing on October 27. Published - August 25, 2026 07:23 pm IST