Severe Air Quality Index | NGT directs States’ Chief Secretaries to take immediate remedial action
The Air Quality Bulletins showed that there are various cities where the air quality index has dipped to ‘very poor’ or even to ‘severe’ stage.
National Green Tribunal
‘Restricted use of firecrackers’; ‘No authority can violate Supreme Court’s directions and permit banned firecrackers under the guise of celebration’: NGT
“The use of firecrackers in cities/towns where air quality is ‘moderate’ or below was restricted to only green crackers only and for duration of not more than two hours and only for celebration of any specified festival or occasion”.
Yamuna’s situation far from satisfactory and status report filed by States and authorities did not cover major issues; NGT directs filing of fresh status reports
Details of the Sewage Treatment Plants, drains discharging both treated waste water and untreated waste water, steps taken for utilization of the treated waste water for agriculture, etc. lacked in the status report.
Supreme Court stays NGT order directing prosecution against CECB officials under Section 26 of NGT Act
NGT had highlighted the serious functional irregularity in efficiency and competence on the part of CECB officials, holding them guilty of offence under Section 26 of NGT Act for failure to comply with NGT order.
Illegal Sand Mining on Yamuna Banks| NGT directs HSPCB to take Disciplinary Action against Regional Officer for Negligence
The Tribunal noted that the activity of illegal sand mining was within the knowledge of the Regional Officer, HSPCB and still the Unit was permitted to operate without valid Consent to Operate.
Judicial Body like NGT cannot simply accept Expert Committee recommendations without complying with Principles of Natural Justice: SC
The Court observed that the recommendations made by an Expert Committee are not binding on the NGT, they are only by way of assistance to enable the NGT to arrive at a correct decision in the matter.
Mula-Mutha Riverfront Project: NGT prohibits PMC from cutting any trees till July 31
The matter was further listed for hearing on 31-07-2023.
NGT forms Joint Committee to probe allegations of environmental norms violations in constructions at CM Kejriwal’s residence
It was alleged that during the construction activities at 6 Flag Staff Road, Delhi, 20 trees were cut illegally as permissions for tree cutting were sought manipulatively.
NGT imposes 50 crores costs on Uttar Pradesh Aawas and Vikas Parishad and 3 other Housing Realtors for environment degradation
The Tribunal noted that while developing housing projects in Ghaziabad, the Project Proponents violated environmental norms for plantations and sewage treatment plan.
[Ludhiana Gas Leak]: NGT orders 20 lakhs compensation to heirs of 11 deceased; constitutes fact-finding Committee
The Tribunal constituted an eight-member fact-finding Joint Committee about the incident headed by Chairman of the State Pollution Control Board, Punjab.
NGT denies Taxi Union’s plea to increase number of vehicles permitted to Rohtang Pass
The opening of the Atal Tunnel or availability of parking space is not sufficient ground to increase the number of vehicles allowed to Rohtang Pass.
Railway horns are required to be blown as per ‘whistle code’; NGT dismisses plea to prohibit usage of train horns
The National Green Tribunal said that an environment free from noise pollution is necessary, but operation of railways is an essential activity, and must be conducted.
State cannot escape liability for violation of environmental norms; NGT grants Compensation of Rs. 20 lakhs to successor of deceased
National Green Tribunal said that the State has to take precautions to prevent such incidents in future, apart from paying compensation with liberty to recover the same from the entity.
[Sambhal cold storage collapse incident] NGT orders compensation to heirs of deceased and injured persons
If the business entity involved in hazardous activities fails to pay compensation, the State is liable to pay for the failure to ensure safety. Citizens are entitled to safety from hazards of business activities having potential for incidents which may cause death and injuries.
NGT can direct Pollution Board to exercise its powers under Section 5 of Environment (Protection) Act: Supreme Court
Supreme Court held that it is not necessary to make obtaining of CTE and CTO mandatory and directed the CPCB to ensure that its guidelines are scrupulously followed and once the guidelines are scrupulously adhered to, no direction to obtain CTE and CTO for starting/operating a petroleum outlet is warranted.
NGT to strictly abide by the RTI application and provision of RTI law, directs Delhi High Court
The Delhi High Court stated that National Green Tribunal is a national tribunal, and hence, its RTI cell should function properly in accordance with the timelines and rules prescribed under the RTI Act and Rules.
Know Thy Judge | Justice Hrishikesh Roy
Justice Hrishikesh Roy is known for his notable contributions to the causes of alternative dispute settlement and legal aid. We have curated some of his important High Court and Supreme Court decisions.
Know Thy Judge | Justice Chudalayil Thevan Ravikumar
Justice C.T. Ravikumar is known among the legal circle for having a firm grasp of precedents and statutory provisions.. We have curated some of his important High Court and Supreme Court decisions.
NGT: Petrol Pump near Veeranam Lake doesn’t violate CPCB’s 50 Meter guideline
It was alleged that less than 50 meters of distance between Veeranam Lake and the proposed petrol pump violated the addendum of 16.08.2021 to the guidelines of 7.1.2020 issued by the Central Pollution Control Board.
Can lease be cancelled on the ground of ecological repercussion? NGT to determine the scope of its jurisdiction
It has been alleged that the Ecological concerns have not been taken into consideration while granting lease to certain Salt Plants. NGT will now decide if it has the power to cancel the lease on the grounds that the lease has an adverse impact on the environment.