Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding pollution of rivers Tapti and Kshipra, Madhya Pradesh, 09/03/2021
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Harish Solanki Vs Central Pollution Control Board & Others dated 09/03/2021.
Prayer in the application was for closure of industries discharging industrial waste in rivers Tapti and Kshipra in Burhanpur, Ujjain and Dewas districts, Madhya Pradesh.
The NGT in its order March 9, 2021 said that the issue of control of municipal and industrial effluents was a matter covered by provisions of the Water Act, 1974 and Article 243 W of the Constitution. Further, it was dealt by the Supreme Court and by the NGT.
The Tribunal in its order February 22, 2021 had directed the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) to devise an appropriate mechanism for more effective monitoring of steps for control of pollution and rejuvenation of all polluted river stretches in the country. The said mechanism would be called “National River Rejuvenation Mechanism” (NRRM) or given any other suitable name. NRRM may also consider the observations with regard to setting up of National/State/District Environment Data Grid at appropriate levels as an effective monitoring strategy.
Further, the Chief Secretaries of all states/UTs and PCBs/PCCs must work in mission mode for strict compliance of timelines for commencing new projects, completing ongoing projects and adopting interim phyto/bio-remediation measures, failing which compensation in terms of earlier orders be deposited with the MoJS, to be utilised in the respective states as per action plan to be approved by the NRRM.
In view of the above, a copy of the application, along with a copy of the NGT order February 22, 2021 be forwarded to the Chief Secretary, Madhya Pradesh, so that the case could be dealt with in accordance with the directions, the court said.