Daily Court Digest: Major environment orders (April 18, 2024)

STPs funded by NMCG in Uttarakhand built adhering to environmental norms: Report

All sewage treatment plants constructed in Uttarakhand with the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) fund have been designed adhering to the environmental norms, according to a report filed by NMCG April 18, 2024 to the National Green Tribunal (NGT). 

NGT February 9, 2024 had directed NMCG to examine, particularly in the hill towns, whether discharge of treated sewage into streams and rivers is being done following standards prescribed for maintaining sanctity and wholesomeness of the Water Act, 1974. 

The NMCG funding in states through which the Ganga flows should have due consideration in regard to duly approved sewage treatment facilities and their compliance with discharge standards and clarification on acceptability of septic tanks and soak pit systems particularly for hill towns, the court had said.

NMCG has funded 54 STPs (219.82 MLD) in the state, and all of them are as per norms, the report showed. Of them, 34 STPs (140.40 MLD) have been completed, and the remaining are at various stages of completion, it reported.

The NMCG, while considering new proposals for the STPs or upgradation of the existing STPs, is duly considering such proposal with due diligence and keeping in view the environmental norms directed by the NGT to ensure the safeguards, particularly the quality of water to be maintained in river Ganga and its tributaries.

Stone quarry in South Garo Hills violating environmental norms

The stone quarry of Alpha D Marak at Budugre, Chokpot, South Garo Hills district is situated on top of a steep hill surrounded by thick vegetation. It is located about 150 metres away from the main road and some 200 metres from the nearest habitation, stated the affidavit filed on behalf of the deputy commissioner, South Garo Hills district, Baghmara.

A committee of experts constituted by NGT carried out a physical inspection of the stone quarry on February 2, 2024.

Dareng, an important river in the area, is located about 100 metres from the quarry and “one can clearly hear the sound of the river from the quarry site”. Water from this river is used by the locals for domestic purposes like drinking, irrigation, washing clothes, bathing. Trees that have been felled were still lying on the ground wasting away in the vicinity of the quarry especially towards the slope.

The overburden of large amounts of rock and soil was observed due to mining activities, which posed a threat to the flow runoff into Dareng. This can cause siltation and water pollution in the river, especially during rainy seasons. The stability of the approach road used for traversing of vehicles for mining activity is questionable as it was observed, the soil used for laying the road is not properly compacted and is in danger of giving away.

The committee recommended that there should be an assessment of damage to trees, flora and fauna as well as degradation of soil due to the mining activity required to be assessed by concerned departments.

Proper safety measures like retaining wall, drainage system and settling tank should be constructed to arrest landslide and runoff downhill especially during rainy season. Submission of a restoration plan, including the reuse of the area after quarrying should be submitted for approval, the authors of the report recommended.

Action taken to control noise pollution caused by restaurants, pubs in Hauz Khas village

Closure directions were issued by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to three units (restaurants / bars / pubs / cafes) in Hauz Khas village for violation of Water Act, 1974 and Air Act, 1981 on April 6, 2024. These units were found to be operating without requisite pollution control systems and consent to operate by the joint committee during earlier inspections, according to the report filed by DPCC April 16, 2024.

The sub-divisional magistrate has issued challans of Rs 10,000 each to 10 units for violation of the Noise Rules, 2000. Environmental compensation amount has been received only from seven units and transaction number of payment receipts of three were not matching, the court was informed.

NGT had received a complaint that live music events were being held on open rooftops using loudspeakers and other sound equipment.

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