India, April 23 -- NMCG defends interim sewage diversion plan

As a matter of policy, National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) does not permit storm water drains or natural watercourses to carry sewage, according to the affidavit filed by NMCG before the National Green Tribunal (NGT), April 22, 2026. The interception & diversion (I&D) approach is only a transitional and interim measure to protect rivers until the state achieves complete development of comprehensive sewerage coverage in the area adjoining the rivers.

Adopting the I&D approach does not dilute, defer or transfer the statutory obligation of Jharkhand to establish closed and comprehensive sewerage networks with 100 per cent household connectivity. The long-term responsibility ...