Down To Earth brings you the top environmental cases heard in the Supreme Court, the high courts and the National Green Tribunal through the week
Remedial measures to contain Ganga pollution
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on December 18, 2019 directed timely completion of all projects relating to treatment of sewage flowing into Ganga by July 31, 2020 and by December 31, 2020 for other rivers. Non-compliance will attract compensation.
Until then, to avoid untreated sewage being discharged directly into Ganga, interim remedial measures will need to be adopted.
Bengaluru lake pollution
The NGT on December 18 refused to extend the timelines for execution of projects to set up sewage treatment plants (STP) and lay sewage network to contain the pollution of Bellandur, Agara and Varthur lakes in Bengaluru. It warned that if the work remained incomplete after September 30, 2020, a compensation of Rs 10 lakh per STP per month would be recovered from erring officers.
Construction on Yamuna flood plain
The NGT on December 17 dismissed the application filed by National Capital Region Transport Corp Ltd (NCRTC), Delhi, seeking modification of the tribunal's order of January 13, 2015 and permitting construction on the Yamuna Flood Plain’s ‘O’ Zone. The construction was intended to execute an RRTS Project and decongest Delhi by providing public transportation infrastructure.
The NGT said it was for the concerned authorities to deal with the “permissibility of any particular project on the flood plain after studying the environmental impact thereof.”
Groundwater pollution in Fazilka
The NGT on December 17 directed a monitoring committee headed by Justice Jasbir Singh to look into large-scale discharge of untreated effluents in the drains of Fazilka and adjoining districts, resulting in contamination of ground water and affecting public health.
Construction on the flood plains of river Kapali, Nalanga
The NGT on December 16 directed the Secretary, Water Resources, Government of Odisha, District Magistrate Bhadrak and Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) to take appropriate measures in the matter of illegal construction in the flood plains of River Kapali at Nalanga, District Bhadrak. They were told to undertake abatement measures to prevent the adverse consequences on the flood plains and prepare an action plan.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.