Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding pollution of Sidhwan canal, Ludhiana, Punjab, 20/02/2023
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Kuldeep Singh Khaira & Others Vs State of Punjab & Others dated 20/02/2022.
The matter related to pollution of Sidhwan Canal passing through Ludhiana and encroachment by its side.
The court was informed that Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana was taking steps for removal of garbage from the bed of Sidhwan canal.
The NGT held that the Municipal Corporation cannot evade responsibility of payment of environmental compensation on the application of principal of Polluters Pay. The Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana has sought 3 weeks time to file their response on the joint committee report as well as on the question of Municipality's responsibility about environment compensation in respect of past default. Municipal Corporation should also mention specifically in its reply as to what time it will take in completion of the work of removal of garbage from the bed of Sidhwan canal and also for shifting of the waste collection site to another place for preventing disposal of waste into canal and regulate encroachment if any on both sides of the canal.
The Irrigation and Flood Canal Department was asked to demarcate and notify ‘No Development Zone’ on both sides of the canal.