The National Green Tribunal’s Principal Bench in New Delhi has imposed a cost of Rs 10,000 upon the District Magistrate, Sambhal for not complying with the order of the Tribunal and not assisting the Tribunal.
The Tribunal, led by Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson, Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi, Judicial Member and Dr A. Senthil Vel, Expert Member considering a Suo Moto matter related to a devastating explosion at an illegal firecracker godown in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district, which resulted in the tragic loss of four lives, including two minors.
The incident, reported by a news on June 14, 2023, highlighted the gross violation of environmental norms and the resulting catastrophic consequences.
The Tribunal has directed the District Magistrate of Sambhal to appear virtually and provide a factual update on the case.
However, despite sending notice through email, the District Magistrate failed to comply with the order, prompting the Tribunal to impose a fine of Rs 10,000.
The Tribunal has ordered the District Magistrate to deposit the fine with the Registrar General within two weeks and directed them to comply with previous orders and appear virtually on the next date of hearing, scheduled for January 7, 2025.
The respondents in the case include representatives from the Department of Explosives, Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board, and the State of Uttar Pradesh.