Down To Earth brings you the top environmental cases heard in the Supreme Court, the high courts and the National Green Tribunal
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on January 30 directed the Tamil Nadu State Pollution Control Board (TNSPCB) to look into Chennai’s air pollution and conduct a detailed study on the basis of the allegations in the application filed by GS Mani.
The applicant had presented data that showed variations of ambient air quality during different time periods, which meant it exceeded the prescribed limit sometimes.
Any area in the state that needs monitoring to tackle the problem of air pollution should also be included in the study by collecting the necessary details from the district authorities.
A report on the status of air quality in Tamil Nadu should be submitted within a period of two months, the order said.
STP on the bank of the Indrayani river
The NGT on January 30 directed the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to demolish the sewage treatment plant (STP) constructed by the corporation on the area between the river bank and blue flood line of the Indrayani river, a prohibited zone.
The entire exercise has to be carried out within a period of one month under the supervision of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and the state’s irrigation department.
The tribunal also directed the MPCB to assess the ecological damage caused due to the STP’s construction by consulting experts and recover the cost of the same from the PCMC.
Waste dumped under Pallavaram over bridge
The NGT on February 3 directed the formation of a joint committee comprising of the district collector, of Chengalpattu, the TNSPCB and the commissioner of Pallavaram municipality to look into allegations of dumping of solid and animal waste under the Pallavaram over bridge.
It was also alleged that sewage water was getting stagnant in the area due to non-maintenance of the sewage system.
The committee has also been ordered to ascertain the number of meat shops in the area, whether they are having the necessary licences or other consents and whether the waste management is proper and in accordance with the provisions of the Solid Waste Management Rules 2016.
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