NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has found that the ‘Tent City’ in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January 2023, was established in violation of environmental laws. This revelation comes after a recent Tribunal order raised serious concerns about the project’s impact on the Ganges River and the surrounding ecology.

The NGT, led by chairperson Prakash Shrivastava and expert member A. Senthil Vel, stated in its January 8 ruling that the Tent City, operated by private companies, was not only polluting the riverbed but also discharging sewage directly into the river. “We find that the Tent City was set up and operated in violation of the environmental norms and the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order, 2016,” the NGT highlighted.

Critics point to the de-notification of a nearby turtle sanctuary, claiming it set a dangerous precedent for environmental management. The project was marketed as a luxurious accommodation option for the increased number of tourists flocking to Kashi, particularly after the inauguration of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham.

The NGT ordered that environmental compensation be levied for the violations, which has reportedly not been collected yet. It warned government authorities to prevent the establishment of similar tent cities that could jeopardize the Ganges’ ecosystem.

Environmentalists and city residents alike are concerned about the implications of such projects on biodiversity and the broader environmental health of one of India’s most sacred rivers. With ongoing debates about the balance between tourism development and environmental conservation, this ruling serves as a pivotal moment for eco-conscious advocacy in the region, imploring authorities to take robust measures to safeguard the delicate environment surrounding the Ganges.