NGT imposes Rs 3,500 crore penalty on Bengal Govt for huge gap in waste management

Tags: Science and Technology State News

The National Green Tribunal(NGT) headed by Justice A K Goel  has imposed a fine of Rs 3,500 crore on the West Bengal government for the huge gap in solid and liquid waste generation and treatment.

The NGT noted that out of 2,758 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage generation in urban areas and the treatment capacity of 1505.85 (MLD), only 1268 MLD is reported to be treated, leaving a huge gap of 1490 MLD.

The green panel said the state government does not appear to be prioritising setting up of sewage and solid waste management facilities though according to the state's budget for 2022-2023, there is provision of Rs 12,818.99 crore on Urban Development and Municipal Affairs.

Observing that health issues cannot be deferred to the long future, a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice A K Goel said it is the constitutional responsibility of the state and the local bodies to provide a pollution free environment.

The state government will have to deposit the fine amount in a fund which will be used to construct the treatment plant for waste.

National Green Tribunal :

• It deals with cases relating to the environment protection and conservation of forest.
• It was set up in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010.
• The Tribunal is not bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but is guided by principles of natural justice.
•  New Delhi is the Principal Place of Sitting of the Tribunal and Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai are other four places of sitting of the Tribunal.

Chairperson: Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel