New Delhi, Dec. 13 -- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand to personally oversee and resolve long-pending issues relating to the demarcation of the Ganga river floodplain, expressing concern over delays that have persisted for nearly two years despite repeated assurances to the Tribunal.

The direction came while hearing a plea alleging the construction of residential apartments in Kankhal, Haridwar, within the floodplain of the river Ganga, leading to environmental concerns and potential pollution.

The Tribunal recalled that under the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order, 2016, floodplains are required to be demarcated based on the 1:100-year highest flood l...