NGT Orders River Clean-up, Slams Firms on Pollution Non-Compliance
Overview
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued stringent orders concerning environmental non-compliance. Directives include immediate removal of construction waste from the Budhi Gandak river and action against MB Sponge & Power Limited for alleged pollution. These rulings highlight increasing regulatory pressure on industries and infrastructure projects in India, emphasizing the cost of environmental negligence.
River Cleanup Mandate
The National Green Tribunal (NGT), under Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi, has mandated the immediate removal of construction waste, including geo-bags filled with sand, from the Budhi Gandak river. The tribunal affirmed that such materials, used during bridge construction, were required to be removed post-completion. The court dismissed arguments that the river's continued flow negated the need for action, asserting that the State and its instrumentalities overlooked their constitutional obligations.
Respondents have been granted two months to undertake remedial measures for removing geo-bags, island-like formations, and plastic waste. Strict adherence to structural safety of pillars and preservation of bottom sediments during the removal process was cautioned.
Industry Accountability
In a separate matter, the NGT expressed disappointment with a report filed by the West Bengal State Pollution Control Board (WBSPCB) concerning MB Sponge & Power Limited. The bench described the report as "vague" and indicative of inaction by the WBSPCB, suggesting that appropriate action might be warranted against the board itself for failing its statutory duties. The NGT granted the WBSPCB six weeks to file a fresh action taken report.
The case involves allegations of illegal expansion by the sponge iron industry at Paschim Bardhaman, indiscriminate dumping of dolochar, and continued operation despite closure orders. MB Sponge & Power Limited and the District Magistrate of Paschim Bardhaman were directed to file responses.
Regulatory Delays
The State of Bihar sought time from the NGT to file a compliance report regarding an earlier order to shift a waste processing unit in Vaishali district. The NGT had previously directed the District Collector of Vaishali to ensure the unit's removal and site clearance within ten days, restoring the land to its original form, and ensuring any new unit strictly complies with Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
An office report indicated that the District Collector of Vaishali had not filed the required affidavit of compliance. Consequently, the matter was listed again as a Miscellaneous Application.
