Hopes for the rejuvenation of a historic river flowing through Garkha Bazar in Saran district have risen significantly following the National Green Tribunal's (NGT) stringent stance. Taking cognizance of a petition filed by local resident and environmental activist Nilesh Kumar, a high-level joint investigation team visited Garkha on October 28, 2026, to conduct an intensive on-site inspection of the river's sensitive and polluted sections.

The joint team comprised senior representatives from central, state, and district administrations, including experts from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), National Mission for Clean Ganga, and Bihar State Pollution Control Board. Officials from Saran district administration, including the Additional Collector and Block Development Officer (Garkha), were also present.

During the inspection, the team meticulously examined the bridge at Garkha Bypass, Garkha Chhath Ghat, the massive accumulation of waste near Garkha Bazar bridge, and untreated drains directly discharging into the river, including at Bibipur Chhath Ghat. They observed that the riverbed had become shallow due to solid waste accumulation and that untreated sewage from the market and densely populated areas was directly entering the river, forcing devotees to perform the sacred Chhath festival in polluted water.

The investigation team has issued strict directives to the district administration to take time-bound measures regarding sewage treatment plants (STP), waste management, and cleaning. The joint team will submit its detailed factual report to the NGT soon. During the inspection, the petitioner also presented a comprehensive riverfront development plan through two 3D models, which is expected to bring 10 major benefits to the region, including ecological restoration, increased green cover, improved community health facilities, enhanced groundwater levels, promotion of tourism and trade, relief from traffic congestion, improved emergency access routes, better crowd management during Chhath, enhanced highway connectivity, and agricultural irrigation benefits.