In Conversation with Advocate-on-Record Arunava Mukherjee: Perspectives on Justice and Jurisprudence
Interviewed by Anish Mishra
National Green Tribunal
Tap the untapped drains having gradient towards Adi Ganga River and releasing pollutants: NGT
Reportedly, the Adi Ganga River had dried up due to extreme heat resulting in 50-60 % of the river becoming waterless, and several dead fish emanating a foul smell. It was alleged that the death of the fish was due to chemical pollution emanating from Sonar Mandi where silver is refined with acid chemicals.
NGT issues directives on remedial action in Shopian Jaundice outbreak due to Contaminated Water
The NGT found deficiencies in the response and reports from authorities, notably the absence of virological testing facilities in local labs, inadequate clarity on the water source, and inconsistent water quality across reports.
NGT orders District Magistrate, Gonda to demarcate floodplain zone of River Tedhi; halts further construction
The NGT directed that no construction activities to be permitted within 200 meters of the High Flood Level from the centre of River Tedhi until further orders.
‘Mere disagreement with order or alternative view not sufficient for review’; NGT upholds environmental compensation of ₹10,00,000
The NGT reaffirmed that review proceedings are not an appeal in disguise and should be confined to the specific grounds allowed under law.
NGT seeks Government’s response on plea seeking implementation of Star ratings for cars based on fuel efficiency & CO2 emissions
“Vehicular pollution is the most important contributory factor in air pollution and as per the Ministry of Earth Sciences, vehicular pollution is responsible for 40% of such air pollution.”
SC stays NGT order restricting number of Dhol, Tasha, Zanj performers for Ganesh Visarjan in Pune
The NGT had directed to restrict the total number of Dhol, Tasha, Zanj Groups to only 30 per group along with real time monitoring of noise pollution around each Ganesh pandal and initiating criminal proceedings against the violators.
‘Delay in compliance of NGT orders not wilful’; SC sets aside initiation of penal proceedings against CECB officers
The Court emphasised that every State organ, and particularly the wings of the Government associated with environment protection, such as the CECB, must be even more diligent in ensuring timely compliance with the directions of the NGT.
NGT issues notice to Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Tiger Conservation Authority and MoEFCC over proposed hotel construction in Kaziranga National Park
Over 45 farmer families survive on the yield produced from the 19- acre land in Inle Pothar, of which 9.9 acre has been earmarked for the luxury hotels project. It is also home to the one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, tigers, wild buffaloes and wild boars among other species.
NGT issues notice to CPCB & MoEFCC on recovery of 6 lakh fake EPR certificates from plastic-recycling companies in Gujarat, Maharashtra & Karnataka
The companies claimed to generate far more certificates than what their actual recycling capacity permitted for. It was also alleged that the recycling companies generated and sold fake Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) certificates without actually recycling the plastic waste.
NGT calls for action plan to ensure minimum discharge or stoppage of sewage in Ganga and Yamuna before Kumbh Mela
The Authorities were also directed to ensure that the water quality of rivers is maintained to the level of drinking quality and its suitability is displayed to pilgrims and visitors of the Kumbh Mela.
DPS Lake Wetland flamingo deaths: NGT takes suo motu cognizance; issues notices to officials
The NGT noted that the news article raises substantial issue relating to compliance of the provisions of the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
NGT reduces Environmental Compensation for Amazon from Rs. 13.12 lakhs to Rs. 6 lakhs for violation of sewage treatment plant norms
Amazon’s fulfilment centre at Bilaspur, Haryana accommodates employees, third party workforce, venders and other visitors. The domestic waste water is treated in Sewage Treatment Plant (40 KLD) and HSPCB found that collected water samples from the STP, did not meet the requisite criteria.
NGT orders for periodic monitoring of illegal sand mining activities and environmental violations in MP’s Tamia
The National Green Tribunal emphasised on the necessity for appropriate action, including prosecution and environmental compensation, in case of violations.
NGT constitutes Committee to look into allegations of trenching ground filled with solid waste and garbage in North 24 Parganas
The National Green Tribunal constituted 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.
NGT constitutes joint committee to submit report on Illegal mining in Arawali, Sikar
The National Green Tribunal constituted a Joint Committee comprising one representative from the District Magistrate, Sikar (Rajasthan) and one representative from the State Pollution Control Board, Rajasthan.
NGT issues notice, forms committee to investigate Chhattisgarh’s flouting of CPCB guidelines regarding establishment of petrol pump in Dhamtari
The CPCB’s guidelines mandated certain measures for setting up new petrol pumps to mitigate their adverse environmental effects, including maintaining a minimum distance of 50 meters from schools, hospitals, and residential areas, etc..
‘Serious concern for local residents’; NGT seeks report from Punjab Water Supply & Sewerage Board over muddy tap water in Barnala
A clear layer of mud is visible on the utensils and has a foul smell, causing severe hardship and health hazards for the people solely dependent upon the water supply from the Government.
National Green Tribunal seeks response from States/ UTs on encroachment of forests
A news piece titled “Forest land five times Delhi’s geographical area under encroachment govt. data shows”, led NGT to take up the matter suo motu.
NGT seeks comprehensive plan from CPCB addressing Environmental Compensation Fund misuse and Health Hazards of Air Pollution
The National Green Tribunal expressed doubt about the permissibility and potential misuse of Environmental Compensation funds by CPCB, specifically for road construction by local bodies like GMC.