Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding damage of an under construction bridge endangering the life of dolphins, Sultanganj, Aguani Ghat, Bhagalpur district, Bihar, 17/02/2025
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Hemant Kumar Vs State of Bihar & Others dated 17/02/2025. The matter related to damage of an under construction bridge on Ganga river, Sultanganj, Aguani Ghat on June 4, 2024. The damage of the bridge has endangered the aquatic life of Dolphins in the river. It was said that that huge quantity of muck was dumped in the Ganga River due to above disaster causing severe damage to the lives of Dolphins in the river.
Affidavit filed by the District Magistrate, Bhagalpur has been filed. Along with the affidavit, an inspection report of a field visit carried out on December 11, 2024 has been filed wherein it was stated that there is no short term impact of under construction bridge collapse on the dolphin population. The question is not only with regard to threat to the dolphin but also with regard to the removal of the debris which has admittedly fallen into the river as a result of collapse of a bridge.
The Inspection Report is absolutely silent with regard to removal of debris or even quantification of the amount of debris that has gone into the river. The quantification of the amount of debris is not difficult and the Pollution Control Board and the State Government can always obtain a report from the Engineering Department of Bihar State Bridge Corporation, the court said.
The Inspection Report further mentions that the survey conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) after the collapse of the under-construction bridge observed dolphin sightings within 200- 500 meters of the collapse site during July 2024. It is also mentioned that although their presence indicates some resilience, but their behavior and movement patterns may have been affected by the debris and construction activities.
The Bihar State Pollution Control Board was directed to file Action Taken Report in this regard within four weeks.