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Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding disposal of sewage water on open land, Faridabad, Haryana, 14/01/2019

  • 14/01/2019

Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Awasiya Jan Kalyan Samiti Vs State of Haryana dated 14/01/2019 regarding disposal of sewage water in Sector 48, Faridabad. In absence of suitable arrangement, disposal is taking place on open land and on the market site, resulting in sewerage logging and also polluting underground water, creating a situation of hazard to public health. A report submitted before the Tribunal by the Commissioner of Municipal Corporation, Faridabad states that there were several unauthorized colonies around Badkal village. A project of Rs. 250 crores for sewer/storm water work in urban area of Faridabad, including Badkal village and its surroundings, has been approved which will be completed by April, 2020. Also sewer line of Sector 48 and 49 is choked causing over flow in Sector 48. Directions have been issued to illegal milk dairies to remove the dumping of cow dung.

Court makes it clear that "in view of acknowledged and continuing damage to the environment and failure to take steps so far, accountability of the State Authorities has to be fixed. At the same time, the State must now forthwith comply with the norms and take preventive and remedial steps, including urgent precautionary measures and recover the damages from the persons responsible for violating the law, including the officers of the Government who may be found to be corrupt, negligent or incompetent".

NGT directs Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to constitute a three member Committee to examine the extent of damage caused and the manner in which accountability of the law violators or others responsible, including the Authorities, can be fixed. Further pending assessment of the actual damage to the environment, on the basis of acknowledged negligence and damage to the environment, Court directs the Municipal Corporation, Faridabad, to deposit a sum of Rs. 50 lakhs by way of interim compensation for restoration of the environment.