ngt-orders-probe-into-subarnarekha-pollution-fish-deaths

Concerned over reports of severe pollution and a recent fish mortality incident in the Subarnarekha River, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has constituted a three-member committee to conduct a detailed investigation and submit a factual report.

 

The directive was issued by a Bench comprising Justice Sheo Kumar Singh and Expert Member Ishwar Singh on May 20 while hearing a petition related to the deteriorating environmental condition of the river in and around Jamshedpur. The matter has been listed for the next hearing on August 10, 2026.

 

The case stems from reports that surfaced on April 1, when large numbers of dead fish were allegedly found floating in the Subarnarekha near Babudih Lal Bhatta. Local residents had also reported a foul odour emanating from the river, raising concerns over contamination and its impact on public health and aquatic life.

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According to the petition, untreated domestic sewage and industrial effluents discharged into the river may have significantly reduced dissolved oxygen levels, leading to the fish deaths. The plea also pointed to elevated Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and possible ammonia contamination as factors that may have rendered the water unsuitable for aquatic life.

 

The petitioner alleged that despite repeated concerns and previous judicial directions, civic bodies, including the Jamshedpur Notified Area Committee (JNAC), Mango Municipal Corporation, Jugsalai Municipality and Adityapur Municipal Corporation, had failed to develop adequate sewage treatment infrastructure. It was further claimed that several drains continue to release untreated wastewater into the river.

 

Observing that the matter raised substantial environmental concerns, the Tribunal directed a fact-finding exercise by a joint committee comprising representatives of the East Singhbhum Deputy Commissioner’s office, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB). The JSPCB has been designated as the nodal agency for coordination.