Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding protection and restoration of waterbodies, India, 18/11/2020
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Lt. Col. Sarvadaman Singh Oberoi Vs Union of India & Others dated 18/11/2020.
The issue for consideration in the original application was identification, protection and restoration of water bodies in Gurgaon in Haryana. However, in the light of proceedings which took place, the scope of the application was extended to the entire state and then to the entire country, in the interest of protection of the environment.
The bench of Justices Adarsh Kumar Goel and Sheo Kumar Singh of the NGT directed all the states and union territories (UT) to designate a nodal agency for restoration of water bodies, wherever no such agency has so far been so designated. The designated nodal agency, under the Chief Secretaries of the States/UTs would hold a meeting to take stock of the situation and plan further steps, including directions to district authorities for further course of action upto Panchayat levels and to evolve further monitoring mechanisms as well as Grievance Redressal Mechanism (GRM). The nodal agency would submit periodical reports to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Secretary Jal Shakti. First such report must be furnished by February 28, 2021.
The Central Monitoring Committee comprising Secretary Ministry of Jal Shakti with CPCB and other authorities would monitor remediation of 351 polluted river stretches as well as steps for restoration of water bodies by all the states, at least thrice in a year, the NGT order November 18, 2020 said.