The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has declared the Tent City built on the Ganga riverbed in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, in 2023 was set up in violation of environmental laws. The order, dated January 8, states that the Tent City by two private companies ignored environmental norms and the River Ganga Authorities Order of 2016. The tribunal noted the environmental compensation was levied but not yet recovered and called for its quick recovery. The NGT bench, chaired by Prakash Shrivastava, heard complaints that the Tent City polluted the riverbed and water, harming plants and animals. It was also alleged that its sewage was discharged directly into the Ganga. The tribunal directed government bodies to prevent any similar Tent City projects on riverbanks in the future that violate environmental rules. The applicant also claimed the Tent City was on land once part of the Kachhua Wildlife Sanctuary, which was allegedly de-notified unlawfully in 2020. However, the NGT said this matter is pending before the Supreme Court and declined to comment further. A report by the National Mission for Clean Ganga in October 2023 said approval for the Tent City project was sought only after it was already built in 2022. The Varanasi Development Authority developed the luxurious Tent City under a public-private partnership to boost tourism, especially after the new Kashi Vishwanath Dham opened. Tourists could reach it by boat from nearby ghats. The project ran from October to June each year and was dismantled during monsoon when river levels rose. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the Tent City on January 13, 2023, calling it an “incredible means of accommodation” for visitors to Kashi.