NGT slaps Rs 500-cr fine on Karnataka govt for failing to protect Bengaluru lake-

NGT slaps Rs 500-cr fine on Karnataka govt for failing to protect Bengaluru lake-

Subject: Environment

Context-

THE NATIONAL Green Tribunal (NGT) on October 10 imposed an environmental compensation of Rs 500 crore on Karnataka for its failure in maintaining and taking steps to restore Chandapura lake.

The NGT directed the state government to collect the compensation amount from encroachers, erring officials and violators of the environmental norms.

NGT order-

• The NGT took suo-motu cognisance of The Indian Express report- ‘Lakes of Bengaluru: Industrial effluents, raw sewage; stinky tale of Chandapura lake’ published on November 21, 2021.
• The tribunal then constituted a seven-member joint committee of officials from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), National Wetland Authority, State Wetland Authority and the District Magistrate, Bengaluru, to ascertain the facts with regard to the violation of buffer zone, solid waste management guidelines at Chandapura lake in Anekaltaluk.
• The amount may be deposited within one month and kept in a ring-fenced account with the State PCB (pollution control board) which will be the responsibility of the Chief Secretary, Karnataka.
• The amount may be utilised for restoration measures preferably within six months, as per directions and supervision of a Monitoring Committee.
• The same will be headed by Chairman, State Wetland Authority,” NGT order read.
• There are illegal encroachments and construction activities, unchecked violations of environmental norms by the industries, and failure to protect and regulate buffer zones and catchment areas of the lake and control pollution.
• The water quality of the lake has deteriorated.
• The NGT in its order stated that the state has not furnished data on the quantum of sewage discharge into the lakes.
• If the amount is found to be surplus, the same may be utilised by the state for restoration measures as per the District Environment Plans of the concerned Districts.
• It is a matter of common knowledge that there is general degradation of the environment and a much more proactive approach is expected from the State.

About NGT-

• Established on 18th October, 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010.
• Established for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources.
• New Delhi is the Principal Place of Sitting of the Tribunal and Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai shall be the other four places of sitting of the Tribunal.
• The Tribunal is not bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but shall be guided by principles of natural justice.
• NGT is mandated to make disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of filing of the same.
• With the establishment of the NGT, India became the third country in the world to set up a specialised environmental tribunal, only after Australia and New Zealand, and the first developing country to do so.

 Composition:

• Sanctioned strength: The act allows for up to 40 members (20 expert members and 20 judicial members).
• Chairman: Is the administrative head of the tribunal, also serves as a judicial member and is required to be a serving or retired Chief Justice of a High Court or a judge of the Supreme Court of India.