NGT orders Karnataka, KSPCB to look into lake pollution

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the Karnataka government and the state pollution control board to look into a complaint that alleged that a lake adjacent to NICE Expressway between NH 4 (Tumakuru Road) and Magadi Road has been polluted by sewage and untreated industrial water.

A bench headed by Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel directed the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to file a report within a month after coordinating with other authorities.

Anand Vijay, the complainant, alleged that a bad smell was coming out and the public was facing a lot of difficulties.

“If true, the allegations show a violation of the provisions of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010, the Water (Prevention and Control) of Pollution, Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control) of Pollution, Act, 1981,” said the bench, also comprising Justices Jawad Rahim, S P Wangdi and expert member Dr Nagin Nanda.

“The matter needs to be looked into by the secretaries of Urban Development and Public Works departments of the state of Karnataka and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board,” the bench added.

The tribunal also directed that the pollution control board’s report also be provided to the complainant to enable him to present his point of views to the authorities. The tribunal put the report
for consideration on December 19.

“Needless to say that (the) order of the National Green Tribunal is binding as a decree of court and non-compliance is actionable by way of punitive action including prosecution in terms of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010,” the bench warned.