NGT bans camping activity but allows rafting on Ganga

NGT bans complete use of plastic from Gaumukh to Haridwar along river Ganga.

New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday banned camping activity from Kaudiyala to Rishikesh in Uttarakhand with immediate effect to tackle pollution in river Ganga.

The green panel has also imposed a ban on complete use of plastic from Gaumukh to Haridwar along river Ganga with effect from February 1, 2016.

However, the bench allowed rafting activity in river Ganga, saying it does not cause pollution.

The green body said no mechanised river bed mining will be allowed in Ganga.

The development came amid rising concerns over high level of air pollution in the national capital. Delhi's air has been oscillating between 'severe and very poor' with heavy smog enveloping the city all day.

Earlier, the bench had denied permission to rafting camps operating from the banks of Ganga from Shivpuri to Rishikesh in Uttarakhand.