Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding pollution of a stream at village Pokharpur, Nalanda, Bihar, 15/05/2020
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Sitesh Kumar Gunjan & Others Vs State of Bihar dated 15/05/2020.
A report was sought from the Bihar State PCB with reference to the allegation of illegal encroachment and water pollution of a stream at village Pokharpur, District Nalanda, Bihar by a hotel and a rice mill. The report informed the tribunal that the issue of encroachment by the hotel may need to be further gone into. With regard to the rice mill, it was mentioned that ETP was not functional and conditions of consent to operate were not complied with. Discharge Consent Order under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and Emission Consent Order under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 had expired for which some action had been initiated.
NGT directed that environment compensation should be assessed and recovered, following due process of law and a further compliance report be submitted on the matter. District Magistrate, Nalanda has been asked to depute two suitable officers, one from the Revenue Department and one from the Canal Department for this purpose. Further report should be filed within two months.