Down To Earth brings you the top environmental cases heard in the Supreme Court, the high courts and the National Green Tribunal
Limestone mining in Tamil Nadu
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on August 26, 2019 expressed its disappointment with the report forwarded by the District Collector on limestone mining in Tamil Nadu's Ariyalur district.
The tribunal stated that the report did not mention about the installation of any air pollution controlling mechanism and whether the conditions of environment clearance /consent to operate /consent to establish and mining lease have been complied with.
The report mentions that “limestone to the depth of seven metres from limestone mine 1 and for the depth of five metres from limestone mine 2 have been extracted. But it is not known as to whether it is within the permissible limit,” the tribunal said.
It added that 12,000 litres of water per day was being used for domestic purpose and for the purpose of green belt development and water sprinkling activity. However, it is not clear whether any permission has been obtained from the concerned authorities for installing the borewell, the NGT said.
The tribunal directed the committee constituting of Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and the District Collector to ascertain all the aspects and submit a factual report. It also asked the committee to assess the compensation for damage caused to environment for any violations found.
UP’s stone crushing units
File fresh affidavits on action taken against the stone crushing units in Uttar Pradesh's Hamirpur, Banda, Mahoaba and Chitrakoot districts, the NGT on August 27 told the district magistrates of the four districts. The units were operating without consent.
The tribunal passed the order after finding inconsistencies in the previous affidavits filed especially as "the facts and figures given in respect of Chitrakoot cannot be reconciled."
Revival and recharge of water bodies
The NGT on August 27 found no objection to the report on reviving water bodies in Delhi.
The report was submitted by Justice SP Garg, former Judge, Delhi High Court recommending steps for groundwater harvesting and recharge.
The tribunal, however, also gave till September 2 for other parties to file any further suggestions before the final order.
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