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The NGT observed that although there is no law which bars the offering of milk during rituals, discharge of milk in such large quantities should be avoided.
Considering the circumstances which were disclosed, the National Green Tribunal further extended the time and directed the UP PCB to complete the proceedings concerning the levy of environmental compensation.
The Court declined to interfere with the NGT’s order holding that a landlord, being the owner and not the actual occupier of the premises, cannot be held accountable for environmental violations by the tenant.
A resident of Greater Noida approached the NGT alleging sewage-contaminated drinking water across five cities. NGT has now directed MP and Gujarat authorities to take remedial measures within four weeks as conditions in those states deteriorate.
The NGT directed respondents, including the Forest Department and DRMB, to submit a progress report of Phases I and II of the Delhi Ridges.
“It is the prime duty of authorities concerned to ensure conservation and protection of these wetlands from encroachments, illegal dumping of waste and unauthorised discharge of untreated water.”
The Court noted that the State’s report did not mention the complete afforestation area and the number of trees that could be accommodated there. Further, a part of that area was adjacent to a city forest, i.e., trees already existed there.
The Court directed that no tree shall be cut, pruned or transplanted in any manner in Madhya Pradesh except with the prior permission of the Committee constituted by the NGT and the Tree Officer concerned till the next date of hearing.
“Clearly, it appears that respondents are not interested in protecting or transplanting any tree but are, in a rampant manner, cutting and destroying the entire vegetation that is coming in the way of alleged development.”
“The photographs placed on record of alleged transplanted trees show that none of the trees have been transplanted, rather the trees have been cut completely.”
The Court remarked that the news article displayed a shocking state of affairs wherein 488 trees were sought to be axed despite the NGT declining such an action and repeated orders by the Court.
The case revolved around 2 orders passed by the National Green Tribunal- one order directed the constitution of a Joint Committee to investigate the appellant’s environmental transgressions and the 2nd order imposed compensation of Rs 18 crores.
“Access to justice is inextricably connected to maintaining integrity in the process of invocation and conduct of remedial proceedings before Courts and Tribunals.”
The Court stated that the Water and Air Rules empowered the State to appoint a single- or three-member body as the Appellate Authority. Thus, if the State, vide the impugned notifications, opted for a single-member Appellate Authority, then the power exercised by the State was within the four corners of the said enactments.
The Court emphasised the need for fairness and cautioned against causing prejudice by delaying a determination of culpability and liability in fire incident.
“Disclose the area with geo-coordinates of each of the water bodies under their management and control as per the revenue record.”
“Geo tagging of all trees to be made mandatory so that accurate records of their location, type and number can be maintained. Geo tag data should be published and be made available and reported to the office of Chief Conservator of Forest.”
“Construction of a religious structure is the most usual mode adopted by the land mafia for grabbing public lands/public parks by making illegal encroachments and unauthorized constructions with ulterior motives by misusing faith, playing with sentiments… for serving camouflaged personal objectives.”
The NGT acknowledged that “the OA raises substantial issue relating to compliance of environmental norms.”
“The illicit sand trade often operates under the shadow of organised crime, undermining the rule of law and weakening governance structures. Therefore, absolute standards with tough policies, strict enforcement and quick accountability are compelling for effective regulatory control.”