National Green Tribunal, Eastern Bench: In an application alleging the presence of a trenching ground containing night soil, carcasses, garbage, and solid waste in the densely populated locality of Ramchandrapur under Panihati Municipality, a division bench comprising of Sheo Kumar Singh, J., (Judicial Member) and Dr. Arun Kumar Verma (Expert Member), found the allegations to be serious and warranting immediate attention and therefore, issued notices to the respondents, and constituted a committee to investigate the matter and submit a report within four weeks.
In the instant matter, the applicants filed an application alleging the presence of a trenching ground in the densely populated locality of Ramchandrapur under Panihati Municipality, which contained night soil, carcasses, garbage, and solid waste, causing severe health hazards and environmental pollution. The applicant contended that the situation had rendered the environment hazardous for habitation. The NGT found the matter merited consideration and issued notices to the respondents, State of West Bengal, West Bengal Pollution Control Board, Central Pollution Control Board and Panihati Municipality. The respondent accepted the notices.
The NGT, considering the seriousness of the allegations, decided to constitute a committee comprising of senior scientists from the State and Central Pollution Control Boards, a representative not below the rank of Additional District Magistrate, and the Executive Officer of Panihati Municipality. The NGT tasked the committee to visit the site, look into the allegations of a trenching ground filled with night soil, carcasses, garbage and solid waste and submit a report within four weeks. The NGT designated the District Magistrate of North 24 Parganas as the Nodal Officer for logistical purposes and for filing the Committee’s report on affidavit. The next hearing is scheduled on 07-08-2024.
[Ramchandrapur Kalyan Samity v. State of W.B., 2024 SCC OnLine NGT 439, order dated 27-05-2024]
Advocates who appeared in this case :
Mr. Sagarmay Ghosh, Counsel for the Applicants
