Down To Earth brings you the top environmental cases heard in the Supreme Court, the high courts and the National Green Tribunal
Illegal borewells in Delhi
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on May 6, 2020 directed the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to take remedial action against illegal borewells operating in Mayapuri for commercial purposes.
A further action taken report has to be filed before July 31, which would also consist of information on the assessment and compensation recovered from concerned persons.
The NGT order came in the wake of a report furnished by the DJB mentioning the particulars of 141 unauthorised borewells. “Out of 141 illegal borewells identified, only 4 have been sealed and 137 are still continuing,” the report said.
Stone crusher in Burhanpur
The NGT on May 6 directed the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB) to recover environmental compensation from an illegally-operated ready mix plant and stone crusher in Dhulkot village of the state's Burhanpur district.
The tribunal also directed MPPCB to ensure that the unit “does not restart its working in violation of law including compliance of siting criteria.”
The tribunal gave the order after taking into consideration a report filed by the MPPCB. The report had stated that the plant was working near the Government Girls High School and residential hostel. It had potential for dust emission and air and noise pollution were also caused by the transportation of raw material.
The project was also working without consent under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. Order of closure was passed by the MPPCB.
Hot mix plant in Rajokri
A report filed by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Delhi informed the NGT that the complaint of a ready mix concrete plant operating illegally in Rajokri protected forest area has been looked into and appropriate remedial action taken. Accordingly, the tribunal disposed of the case on May 6.
Palwal pond
The NGT on May 6 directed the municipal council of Palwal in Haryana to ensure that a pond in Meghpur village was not turned into a dumping ground.
The order came in the wake of a report filed by the district magistrate of Palwal, which informed the tribunal that there was no encroachment and dumping of waste alleged by complainant Kapil Sagar and that the pond had been demarcated and secured.
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