The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to submit a comprehensive report on illegal constructions along the banks and flood plains of the Ganga river.
A bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan asked the Union government to inform about the steps taken to remove encroachments and place on record steps taken so far for implementation and execution of notification on rejuvenation, protection and management of Ganga.
The top court issued notices to several Ganga basin states and said the issue required a broader examination beyond individual cases.
During the hearing, advocate Akash Vashishtha pointed out that some parts of the riverbanks are very rich in freshwater dolphins and require immediate attention.
The matter is listed for next hearing on April 23.
