River Ganga gets legal notice from Nainital High Court

Uttarakhand High Court Friday issued a legal notice to river Ganga seeking an explanation why her land was given for construction of a trenching ground. 

Apart from river Ganga, the notice was also sent to state govt and others in a case related to construction near banks of the river.

The High Court notice came after the river was given the legal status of a living entity on March 20th and accorded all the fundamental rights available to a person under the Indian Constitution.

In the notice issued to Ganga, the Union government, central pollution control board, state pollution control board and the Rishikesh municipality, the court directed the respondents to file a reply before May 8, the next date of hearing the case.

Also Read: NGT issue showcause notice to UP over reckless garbage dumping near river Ganga

The Uttarakhand high court has recognised the Ganga and the Yamuna as living entities, giving the rivers that have seen years of damage at the hands of humans, a legal voice. 

However the court while giving Ganga a human status has also made its custodians and the chief secretary, the advocate general and the director of Namami Gange project will respond to the legal notice on behalf of the river.