Sat Mar 29 08:04:40 UTC 2025: **Supreme Court Stays NGT Fine on Bihar for Ganga Pollution**
**New Delhi, March 29, 2025** – The Supreme Court of India has stayed a National Green Tribunal (NGT) order imposing a ₹50,000 fine on the Bihar state government. The NGT levied the fine due to Bihar’s failure to comply with directives aimed at preventing and controlling pollution in the River Ganga.
The NGT’s October 2024 order also mandated the Bihar Chief Secretary’s virtual appearance to report on progress. Bihar challenged the order, leading to the Supreme Court’s intervention. The Supreme Court issued a notice to the central government and other parties, requesting responses within four weeks. The stay on the NGT’s fine remains in effect until further notice.
The NGT’s actions are part of a state-by-state assessment of Ganga river pollution. The Tribunal had previously requested water sample analysis reports from Bihar, which were not submitted. This non-compliance, coupled with the lack of progress in implementing the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order 2016, prompted the NGT’s original order.
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