Down To Earth brings you the top environmental cases heard in the Supreme Court, the high courts and the National Green Tribunal
Fly ash disposal in Jhajjar
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on October 24, 2019 heard the matter of accumulated fly ash at the units of NTPC Aravali Power Co and Jhajjar Power Ltd (CLP India) in Jhajjar district of Haryana.
It was causing air pollution resulting in diseases to the residents, according to a complaint. The complainant also alleged that he was suffering from tuberculosis due to the pollution, as stated in his medical report from the Civil Hospital in Jhajjar.
The issue was earlier reviewed by the tribunal on July 1, wherein, the tribunal had asked NTPC, Jhajjar Power, chief medical officer of Jhajjar district and the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) to submit a report.
The report also mentioned action plan for disposal of such fly ash.
The NGT directed the HSPCB to ensure that the thermal plant revises the plan and a performance guarantee of Rs. 50 lakhs is taken from the unit.
Groundwater extraction in Delhi
The NGT on October 24, expressed its satisfaction at a report regarding illegal groundwater extraction in Rohini, Delhi.
The court was earlier informed that groundwater was extracted for selling packaged drinking water without permission from the statutory authorities including the Municipal Corporation, the Central Ground Water Authority and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).
A report filed by the North Delhi Municipal Corporation affirmed the illegal withdrawal of water.
The tribunal in its order of July 2, was critical of the concerned authorities in checking the illegalities and lack of action.
The order said “illegal drawal of water must be taken seriously and if there is a collusion of the officers or inaction, they should also be required to pay the compensation for illegal benefit taken to uphold the rule of law.”
Accordingly, the report filed on October 7 showed that necessary remedial action has been taken. The court noted that no further orders are necessary at this stage and disposed of the case.
Singhorgarh sanctuary encroachment
The NGT on October 24 directed the principal chief conservator of forests of Madhya Pradesh to submit a report on the allegation of encroachment of forest land in Singhorgarh Sanctuary.
The matter was adjourned on four previous occasions due to delay in submission of a report by the resident commissioner of Madhya Pradesh. The report has to be submitted within a month, the court ruled.
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