Latest news with #NGT
India Today
4 hours ago
- Health
- India Today
National Green Tribunal issues notice to Chennai collector over canal pollution
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to the Chennai District Collector and the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, seeking their responses regarding pollution concerns in the Captain Cotton Canal in Tribunal was hearing a suo motu (initiated on its own, without formal complaint or petition from an external party) case concerning the Captain Cotton Canal, which has become severely clogged due to the widespread dumping of garbage and the discharge of untreated an order dated May 29, a bench of NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member A Senthil Vel said, "As per the news item, the situation becomes particularly dire at the stretch near Anderson Road, close to the Ayanavaram bus stand, where heaps of plastic waste and garbage severely impede the water flow." The report further highlighted the discharge of untreated raw sewage directly into the canal, worsening its condition and contributing to the degradation of the once-functional waterway.'The news item indicates violation of the provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, Solid Waste Management Rules and the Environment (Protection) Act,' the tribunal bench observed that the news report raised 'substantial issues' concerning compliance with environmental the tribunal added the Chennai District Collector and the Member Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board as parties to the case and directed: 'Issue notice to the above respondents for filing their response/reply.'advertisementThe matter has been scheduled to be heard before the NGT's Southern Zonal Bench in Chennai on August by Rahen Philip IN THIS STORY#Tamil Nadu
Mint
7 hours ago
- Health
- Mint
Pigeon droppings can put your lungs at risk: What NGT notice to Delhi govt says on capital's pesky pests
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a notice to the Delhi government and civic authorities, following a plea that claims that unchecked feeding and proliferation of pigeons lead to pigeon droppings across the city, which in turn causes health and environmental hazards, according to a press release. This is the second time the issue has drawn the Delhi government's attention. In 2024, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi proposed a complete ban on pigeon feeding, blaming the growing number of these birds in the capital, causing severe health hazards among children and the elderly. The Tribunal's bench, led by Chairperson Prakash Shrivastava and expert member A Senthil Ved, mentioned, citing the plea that pigeon droppings are accumulating on footpaths, pavements and traffic islands across Delhi and surrounding regions. 'When these feeding areas are swept, then the toxic particulars of dried droppings mix with the dust, pollute the environment and cause adverse health effects,' they added. The plea flagged hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a serious lung disease linked to exposure to bird droppings, as a key concern. In the longer run, the germs found in pigeon droppings can lead to lung scarring and breathing difficulties. In the May 29, 2025, order, the NGT said the case raises 'substantial issues' regarding environmental compliance and directed the Delhi government, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Public Works Department, and other relevant authorities to respond via affidavit, a written document that can be used as evidence in court. The matter is under further consideration as the hearing has been posted on October 8, 2025. The NGT is a specialised judicial body in India, currently headed by Justice Prakash Shrivastava. Under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, the green tribunal is responsible for handling cases related to environmental protection and the conservation of forests and natural resources.
Time of India
17 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Crackdown on pan masala brands in Delhi over use of plastic sachets, says CPCB
'Gutka makers not complying with norms' NEW DELHI: Central Pollution Control Board recently submitted a report on the rules and status of plastic sachets used to pack and store pan masala, gutka, etc., being sold in Delhi. It stated that unless the sachets were replaced with eco-friendly material, the firms were liable to pay penalties. It added that although directions under Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 were issued, they were not being complied with. As per the norms, sachets using plastic material should not be used for storing, packing or selling gutkha, tobacco and pan masala. Furthermore, plastic material, in any form, including vinyl acetate, maleic acid and vinyl chloride copolymer, should not be used in any package for tobacco products. Earlier, 'The Citizen Foundation' claimed that while the manufacturers were under the extended producer responsibility regime, they were not complying with the same. NGT has now sought details from DPCC. TNN
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Green rule flout: NGT tells PCB to fine HMC
Kolkata: The NGT directed the WBPCB to impose a penalty on Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC) under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. It also instructed the board to assess environmental compensation for continued violation of environmental laws within two months. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Eastern Bench of the NGT criticised HMC for failing to submit an action taken report on measures it took to manage the Belgachhia landfill, which collapsed earlier this year, and for not preparing a solid waste management plan. The tribunal directed the HMC commissioner to appear before it in virtual mode at the next hearing. The principal secretary or additional chief secretary of the urban development department was instructed to file an affidavit explaining the steps taken for compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. The NGT took suo motu cognizance of the TOI report dated March 24, 2025, on the overburdened Howrah dumpyard. Environment activist Subhas Datta was directed to assist the court as an applicant in the matter. "It is evident there is no proper handling, management, processing, and disposal of solid waste within the HMC jurisdiction, and there is flagrant violation of provisions of SWM Rules," the order said.
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
National Green Tribunal asks Punjab to strengthen tree preservation policy
Chandigarh: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Punjab chief secretary to address the shortcomings in the state's existing tree preservation policy to effectively prevent illegal felling of trees, especially on private land. The directive from a bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Dr A Senthil Vel came during a hearing on a complaint regarding the illegal cutting of standing green trees in a residential colony in Jalandhar. During the proceedings, the tribunal examined the 'Tree Preservation Policy for Non-Forest Govt and Public Land, 2024' and observed that significant gaps remained in its scope. Specifically, the policy does not extend to trees standing on private land. In an earlier hearing, the tribunal summoned the Punjab chief secretary to appear virtually to clarify the legal framework regulating the felling of trees on non-forest land in the state. Appearing before the bench, the chief secretary acknowledged the critical importance of tree preservation and affirmed the state's responsibility to safeguard trees on all types of land. However, he admitted that Punjab currently lacked a legislative framework to effectively deter and penalise illegal tree felling. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning For Working Professionals. BITS Pilani WILP Apply Now Undo The chief secretary assured the tribunal that the state govt would initiate the process of drafting and presenting a bill in the next legislative session and sought six months' time to complete the process. The applicant, meanwhile, raised several concerns about the 2024 policy and its implementation. These included the absence of a formal grievance redressal mechanism, lack of clarity on where complaints regarding illegal tree cutting should be lodged, and the non-existence of a tree census in the urban areas. It was pointed out that tree felling often takes place at night, allowing the violators to escape accountability. Further, municipal bodies reportedly lack any data on existing tree cover in their jurisdictions, making detection of illegal activity nearly impossible. The applicant also flagged issues such as the concretisation of tree bases, deliberate burning of garbage at tree roots to weaken them, and the absence of any system to ensure compensatory plantation for trees lost during thunderstorms or other natural events. Concerns were also raised over the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) carrying out indiscriminate tree felling. According to the applicant, over 100 trees are cut across the state every day, yet no punitive action is taken, exacerbating Punjab's already low tree cover – one of the lowest in the country. The NGT noted that the chief secretary was expected to consider these concerns and ensure that appropriate protective, punitive, and remedial measures were undertaken. The chief secretary has also been directed to file a progress report or an action taken report before the next date of hearing, scheduled for Oct 10. MSID:: 121575069 413 |
