Failure of the administration to protect the rights of citizens for a clean environment: NGT

Considering the Brahmapuri case in January, the Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal said, “Long stories of all-round failure of administration are poor choices for public administration and the good governance required to implement environmental regulations for the protection of the environment.” .

The bench, led by its chairperson Adarsh ​​Kumar Goel, said that “the fact that the administration is currently a failure to protect citizens’ right to a clean environment is in no way less important than the right to live in a crime-free environment.” is”.

“Despite repeated instructions in the last two years, there has been no meaningful action to comply with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 and to deal with solid waste. As shown in the report by the State Pollution Control Board, the samples clearly show that the environmental criteria are not being met. The municipal corporation is still running unauthorized operations. Work for biomining is yet to begin.

The bench recalled that environmental compensation had been assessed for failure to follow its instructions against those responsible for the situation, but not recovered. “The Windrow Composting Plant is in a dilapidated condition. The Chief Secretary’s affidavit does not show that any effective action has been taken on the ground. Thus, the situation is not satisfactory.

The tribunal stated that “failure to uphold the environmental rule of law is no different from maintaining law and order and protecting citizens from crimes. The frequent violation of environmental norms is not only a violation of the rights of citizens, but also a detriment to public health.” Also has the capacity. “It is unfortunate that despite several orders of this tribunal for the last two years, the authorities concerned have only paid lip service to this issue. Thus there is a clear governance deficit which is immediately at the highest level in the state. Need to remove.

The Principal Bench transferred the case (OA No.514 / 2019) to the Southern Bench, while directing that the case should be taken up on 5 April.