NGT fines West Bengal for waste management failure

September 6, 2022

Recently, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed environmental compensation of Rs 3,500 crore on West Bengal for failing to manage solid and liquid waste.

Key Points

  • In the budget of the financial year 2022-23, the West Bengal government had made a provision to spend about Rs 12818 crore on matters related to urban development and municipalities. But the state government did not do any special work in this direction.
  • According to the NGT, urban areas of West Bengal generate 2758 million sewage per day while the treatment capacity through 44 sewage treatment plants is only 1505.85 MLD. Therefore, only 1268 MLD of sewage is treated and 1490 MLD of sewage remains untreated.
  • The West Bengal government will have to deposit this 3500 crore fine within two months. At the same time, the National Green Tribunal said that if such violations of environmental matters continue, then more fines will be imposed.

National Green Tribunal (NGT)

NGT was established on October 18, 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010. It was established for effective and expeditious disposal of cases related to conservation of forests, environmental protection and conservation of other natural resources besides enforcement of any legal right related to environment. This Tribunal is not bound by the procedure laid down under “Code of Civil Procedure, 1908”. It is guided by principles of natural justice.

National Green Tribunal Act, 2010

It is an Act of the Parliament that lead to the creation of a special tribunal for handling the expeditious disposal of cases related to environmental issues. It was inspired from constitutional provision of Article 21.

Function of the Tribunal

The Tribunal is having a dedicated jurisdiction in environmental matters. Thus, it provides speedy environmental justice and help in reducing the burden of higher courts. It is mandated to make and endeavour for disposal of applications or appeals within 6 months.

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