Inland waterways: NGT seeks clarity on eco ministry's flip-flop

The Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) will on Tuesday clarify before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) why its clearance is needed to dredge the Ganga as part of the National Waterway-I (NW-I) project between Allahabad and Haldia. The NGT had sought the ministry's clarification after its stance was challenged on the basis of a DNA report.

Bharat Jhunjhunwala, the petitioner in an ongoing case pertaining to the inland waterway project, had filed an affidavit questioning the ministry's contrary stance on environmental clearance. Placing on record DNA's story, the petitioner said that MoEF's "official opinion appears to be completely contrary to submissions made before the tribunal on affidavit, and in fact in support of the applicants' prayer."

On July 21, DNA reported that MoEF was not going to exempt Inland Waterways Authority of India's (IWAI) dredging activity for NW1 from securing its clearance, while its submission before the tribunal in October 2016 was exactly the opposite. MoEF informed IWAI about its decision on June 19 this year based on the recommendations of an expert committee. Before that, the matter had reached an impasse and the two authorities were asked to reach a resolution.

The petitioner's affidavit points out that DNA's story detailed the changes in MoEF's stance and its disagreement with IWAI, the same was not informed to the tribunal. "Despite several hearings, the MoEF has till date has not informed the tribunal or the applicants about... the constitution and meeting of the expert committee and the official opinion of the MoEF."