NGT Orders on Varanasi Tent City

Summary of NGT Ruling on Tent City in Varanasi

National Green Tribunal (NGT) Findings:

• The NGT declared the 'Tent City' in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, was set up in violation of environmental laws, specifically contravening the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order, 2016.
• The NGT ordered the recovery of imposed environmental compensation which had not yet been collected.

Judicial Context:

• Chairperson Prakash Shrivastava and expert member A. Senthil Vel were part of the Principal Bench overseeing the case regarding the environmental impact of the Tent City.
• The Tent City allegedly caused pollution by discharging sewage directly into the Ganga, adversely affecting its water quality and harming local flora and fauna.

Environmental and Legal Context:

• The Tent City was reportedly established in an area connected to the Kachhua Wildlife Sanctuary, which faced de-notification in 2020; however, this aspect remains disputed in the Supreme Court.
• The NGT noted the project's approval process began after its implementation in 2022, highlighting regulatory failures in managing environmental standards.

Government and Project Background:

• Developed by the Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) in a public-private partnership to enhance tourism, particularly following the inauguration of Kashi Vishwanath Dham.
• The Tent City provides "luxurious accommodation" aiming to attract tourists and could be accessed by boat from local ghats.
• It was intended to be operational from October to June, dismantled annually during monsoon months due to rising water levels in the Ganga.

Regulatory Recommendations:

• The NGT mandated that future projects adhere strictly to environmental regulations set forth in the River Ganga Authority Order, 2016.
• Aimed to prevent establishment of similar violating structures along the Ganga and its tributaries.

Key Dates:

• Tent City inaugurated on January 13, 2023.
• NGT order issued on January 8, 2026.
• Application for project approval noted in a report submitted in October 2023.

Constitutional and Legal Framework:

• Articles and Regulations: Relevant articles concerning environmental protection, including provisions under various environmental laws.
• Order Infringement: Clear violation of established environmental norms as directed by the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection, and Management) Authorities Order, 2016.

This summary presents a focused view of the legal, environmental, and operational issues surrounding the Tent City, reflecting the importance of adhering to environmental laws in developmental projects.