Down To Earth brings you the top environmental cases heard in the Supreme Court, the high courts and the National Green Tribunal
Damodar river encroachment
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on September 17, 2019 directed the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB) to submit an action taken report on the issue of encroachment and pollution of the Damodar river by Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) in the state’s Bokaro district.
The tribunal was responding to an application filed by the residents of Pichhari Panchayat in the district. The panchayat also alleged that illegal mining was taking place and several trees had been cut, which had resulted in diversion of the river.
A report submitted by the district magistrate of Bokaro and the JSPCB stated that the river bed had been encroached. The mines were situated near the CCL pump house, which was by the side of the river at Pichri.
The report also stated that a show cause notice had been issued to CCL, proposing the cancellation of consent to it to operate and the recovery of environmental compensation.
Garbage burning in Pauri Garhwal
The NGT on September 17, 2019 directed the Uttarakhand Environment and Protection Control Board (UEPCB) and the sub-divisional magistrate of Pauri Garhwal district in the state to submit an action taken report on garbage burning at Kotdwar and Duggada in the district, which have been adversely affecting the Khoh river.
Paper industry pollution in Sitapur
The NGT on September 17, 2019 took up the matter of remedial action against pollution caused by M/s JB Daruka Paper Ltd in Uttar Pradesh’s Sitapur district which has resulted in the death of animals in the area.
Following a joint report from the Central and State Pollution Control Boards, which showed deficiencies, the tribunal directed that further action be taken and compensation assessed and recovered. An interim compensation of Rs 10 lakh was directed to be recovered from the unit.
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