Down To Earth brings you the top environmental cases heard in the Supreme Court, the high courts and the National Green Tribunal
NGT asks Volkswagen India to deposit a fine of Rs 100 crores
The National Green Tribunal on November 16 ordered Volkswagen India to deposit a fine of Rs 100 crore with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for using “cheat device” in emission tests of its diesel vehicles. The green tribunal also formed a committee comprising officials of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Ministry of Heavy Industries, CPCB and Automotive Research Association of India to calculate the actual amount of the environmental loss.
NGT demands action plan for Indirapuram’s solid waste dumping site
Unhappy with the non-compliance of the Solid Waste Management Rules 2016, at Shakti Khand, Indirapuram, Ghaziabad, the National Green Tribunal on November 19 ordered the constitution of a joint committee of representatives of the District Magistrate, the Ghaziabad Development Authority, Municipal Corporation Ghaziabad and the State Pollution Control Board to prepare an appropriate action plan in the matter and execute the same.
NGT directs all polluting brick kilns to be closed
National Green Tribunal on November 19 agreed with the stand taken by the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) which had directed closure of the brick kilns from November 2018 and only permitted brick kilns who have converted to zigzag process to operate. The association of brick kilns in Haryana had sought direction from HSPCB to close down the brick kilns in the state from November 2018 to January 2019 and permit operation of the brick kilns from February to September 2019.
NGT orders enquiry into allegations of pollution by the Panipat refinery
Responding to a petition alleging air pollution by the Indian Oil Corporation Limited's Panipat Refinery around villages Bohli Dadlana and Sithana in Haryana, the NGT on November 15 formed a committee to look into the issue. The team has been asked to monitor ambient air and start monitoring at various locations in the vicinity besides taking water samples in the area.
Supreme Court questions West Bengal Govt on use of fire torches to drive away elephants
The Supreme Court on November 12 questioned the West Bengal government over use of fire torches to drive away elephants and directed the state to place before it the names and designations of the forest officials who would be held responsible for any accident due to this. The apex court said that the use of fire or fire torches "cannot be the only answer" for driving away elephants in West Bengal.
Supreme Court directs CEC to rework penalty against Sarda Mines
The Supreme Court on November 12 directed the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to rework the quantum of excessive or illegal mining carried out by Sarda Mines Private Limited (SMPL) in District Keonjhar, Odisha and the consequent penalty. For this, the courtgranted 6 weeks’ time and directed that all records relevant for arriving at a decision should be made available by SMPL and the concerned authorities to the CEC.
NGT gives go ahead to construction of road near river Panzara in Dhule
National Green Tribunal on November 19 found no illegality in improvement of an existing road near river Panzara in Dhule being undertaken by Maharashtra. The tribunal also directed the state government to develop at least one bio-diversity park in the floodplain and also to undertake avenue plantation in the area.
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