The Ramganga River, born in the serene Dudhatal Range of Uttarakhand, winds through the heart of northern India before merging with the Ganga River in Uttar Pradesh. Once a symbol of purity and abundance, it now bears the scars of unchecked pollution — a crisis that has drawn the attention of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in the landmark case OA No. 119 of 2026 (Abhisht Kusum Gupta vs. Union of India & Ors.).

🏞️ The River and Its Journey

Stretching nearly 240 km, the Ramganga flows through Kotdwar, Bijnor, Moradabad, Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, and Farrukhabad, supporting agriculture, industry, and millions of lives. Yet, its waters are burdened by industrial effluents, untreated sewage, and solid waste, threatening ecosystems and communities alike.

⚖️ The Legal Battle for Clean Water

In April 2026, the NGT took up the case filed by Abhisht Kusum Gupta, demanding accountability from government bodies and industries polluting the river. The Tribunal’s intervention has since mobilized multiple agencies — each playing a vital role in the river’s revival.

🌿 What the Authorities Are Doing

National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)

• Implementing the Namami Gange Programme to rejuvenate the river.

• Sanctioned ₹1,171.08 crore for sewerage projects in Uttar Pradesh, creating 226 MLD STP capacity.

• Developing Urban River Basin Management Plans for Ramnagar and Haldwani.

• Ensuring 4 cumec e-flow downstream from the Harevli Barrage to sustain aquatic life.

District Magistrate, Udham Singh Nagar

• Clarified that Ramganga doesn’t flow through Kashipur, but tributaries like Dhela, Kalyani, and Begul do.

• Took action against polluting industries — disconnecting electricity and enforcing waste management.

• Disposed of 31,100 MT legacy waste and operationalized four STPs (18, 10, 2, and 1 MLD).

• A 200 TPD waste processing plant is under construction, set to transform solid waste management.

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

• Found non-compliance at all monitored Ramganga sites — Kannauj, Sherkot, Kalagarh.

• Identified 205 Grossly Polluting Industries (GPIs); 17 failed to meet discharge norms.

• Detected extreme pollution in Kharmasi Drain (Kashipur) with BOD 3360 mg/L and COD 8333 mg/L.

• Issued directives to state boards for immediate corrective measures.

🧩 Who’s Responsible for What

📅 Timeline of Progress

• 2019: NGT mandates minimum e-flow for Ramganga.

• 2018–2023: CPCB identifies polluted stretches; Kalagarh marked Priority IV.

• 2025: CPCB inspects 205 GPIs; finds widespread non-compliance.

• 01 April 2026: NGT issues notices to respondents.

• June–July 2026: CPCB directs UPPCB and UKPCB to act on untreated wastewater.

• 29–30 July 2026: Affidavits filed by NMCG, District Magistrate Udham Singh Nagar, and CPCB.

• Present: NGT continues monitoring and enforcement.

🌍 The Bigger Picture

The Ramganga’s plight mirrors that of many rivers across India — victims of rapid urbanization and industrial growth. But the coordinated efforts under Namami Gange, coupled with judicial oversight, signal hope. Restoring the Ramganga isn’t just about cleaning a river; it’s about reviving a heritage, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring water security for future generations.

💧 How You Can Help

• Avoid dumping waste near riverbanks.

• Support local clean-up drives and awareness campaigns.

• Promote sustainable practices in your community.

• Stay informed and hold institutions accountable.

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