Thermal power plants discharging effluents in the Ganga basin have come under the radar of the National Green Tribunal. It has sought a report on whether the power plants have adequate measures in place to prevent pollution of the river.
A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar asked the Environment Ministry and the Ministry of Power to hold a meeting in this regard and file their comments along with affidavit before it.
The green panel said that any deficiency with regard to the thermal power plants should be pointed out in the report, especially with regard to Uttar Pradesh.
The Tribunal also sought comments on the view taken by the Central Pollution Control Board that old plants should be shut down and only those with new technology be allowed to operate.
The tribunal was hearing a plea filed by NGO Indian Council for Enviro Legal Action seeking regulation of thermal power plants located in the Ganga river basin.