Encroachments, debris cleared from Lotus Lake in Nerul: NMMC to HC
On April 15, the court directed the NMMC to take suitable action to preserve the ecologically sensitive lake and submit a report following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Pradeep Patole, highlighting how encroachments and illegal activities posed a threat to the city's last remaining natural water body.
The PIL filed by advocate Pradeep Patole, highlighted that the high court had prohibited water chestnut farming within the water body to preserve the lake and its adjacent mangrove area. However, the residents allege that continued chestnut farming increased the threat of harming the water and the lotuses.
Advocate Tejesh Dande, representing NMMC, had agreed to comply with the directions of the court, saying the action report will be filed on or before April 29.
On Tuesday, the division bench observed that the NMCC has complied with the court's direction and removed all encroachments around the area. Noting the stand taken by the authorities, the court stated that the grievances of the petitioner have now been fully addressed. 'Therefore, no further order is required to be passed', it said while disposing off the PIL.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Tanker caught dumping hazardous chemicals into drain
Navi Mumbai: In a late-night operation at 1am on Tuesday, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) seized a chemical tanker found dumping hazardous chemicals into a drainage channel in Digha. The NMMC was responding to repeated complaints from residents of a strong foul odor in the area. Tanker caught dumping hazardous chemicals into drain According to a press release by the NMMC, for the past 15 days, residents of Green World CHS, Neva Bhakti Park, and New Garden CHS in Airoli, Navi Mumbai had been complaining of a strong and allegedly hazardous chemical odour. The stench had reportedly caused eye irritation and breathing difficulties, particularly affecting children and senior citizens, said an official from the NMMC. Housing societies had filed complaints with the NMMC H ward office, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), as well as the MIDC Rabale Police Station. A resident of Airoli and a member of the night vigil, Nikhil Bankhele, 49, said, 'Breathing had become difficult.' He added that the residents had complained about the issue at the municipal corporation and the police station regularly for the past two weeks. 'Last night, at around 1.30am, tankers were caught while discharging the waste into the channel,' said Bankhele. As per the NMMC, the issue was first reported on August 7, when locals complained of a pungent chemical smell. They suspected that hazardous chemicals were being released into drains or the surrounding area. However, Bankhele said the matter had been going on for months. 'During the recently held Narali Poornima festival, the local fisherman told officials they did not want to enter the brackish water,' he added. Despite inspections, the stench persisted, prompting NMMC's environment department officials, Digha ward staff, and MPCB officers to conduct joint night patrols. Based on resident's complaints, they began surveying a drain near Neva Garden Society in Airoli. At around 1am on August 12, officials spotted a suspicious tanker parked near the Mukund Company gate opposite Digha railway station. Upon inspection, MPCB officers detected a strong odour, and litmus paper testing confirmed the substance was harmful. Samples from the tanker have been sent to MPCB and NMMC laboratories for analysis, and a case has been registered with the Rabale police. A member of the Green World CHS, DL Bhadavankar, said that many residents of the nearby housing societies were present at the spot till almost 3am on Tuesday. 'Tankers were caught red-handed illegally discharging approximately 12,000 litres of chemical waste into the drainage. We are hoping that the NMMC's actions will bring relief from the chemical odour and restore a basic human right–the ability to breathe freely,' said Bhadavankar.
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Indian Express
School Jobs ‘scam': PIL seeks criminal charge, seizure of assets of officials
In the wake of the Supreme Court's order declaring the entire selection process of the West Bengal School Service Commission recruitment null and void, concerned citizens, parents, and education activists are calling for personal accountability and criminal action against all department and government officials involved in the scam. The apex court found gross violations of law and blatant irregularities in direct contravention of Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution, leading to the cancellation of all illegal appointments. In response, social activist Devdutta Maji's team is preparing a fresh Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to be filed before the appropriate court, seeking immediate seizure of movable and immovable assets of all government officials involved in the tainted recruitment process, criminal prosecution of those responsible, and urgent interim arrangements to appoint qualified teachers so that students' learning is not interrupted. 'This is not just a corruption case , but an attack on the future of our children and the integrity of our education system. We demand swift justice and uncompromising action,' he said.
Hans India
6 days ago
- Hans India
Cubbon Park Association moves HC over damages
Bengaluru: The Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) historic IPL trophy win was celebrated in grand style on the steps of Vidhana Soudha, where the state government felicitated the players. Thousands of fans thronged the venue, with many even climbing trees in Cubbon Park to catch a glimpse of their cricketing heroes. However, the celebrations have now led to legal trouble. The Cubbon Park Association has alleged that the massive crowd caused significant damage to the park's plants, trees, and landscaped lawns, resulting in losses worth crores of rupees. The association claims that the lawns, laid at huge expense by the Horticulture Department, were trampled during the event. According to the association, the state government and event organisers had been warned beforehand that RCB and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) would be held responsible for any damage to the park. Now, following the reported destruction, the association has approached the Karnataka High Court with a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), seeking full compensation from RCB and KSCA for the losses. The PIL marks yet another setback for RCB and KSCA, who are already facing criticism and scrutiny over crowd mismanagement. The association's move adds to the growing list of issues arising from the IPL victory celebrations. The controversy comes in the wake of the tragic June 4 incident near M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, when a stampede during RCB's celebrations claimed 11 lives. That tragedy prompted an inquiry led by retired judge Michael D. Cunha, whose report has already highlighted serious lapses in crowd control. Now, with the Cubbon Park Association's demand for damages, both RCB and KSCA will have to respond to mounting legal and public pressure.
