The National Green Tribunal (NGT) took Suo Motu cognizance of the matter relating to the degrading quality of water in river Cauvery in Kodagu District of Karnataka.
The Petition is registered suo-moto on the basis of the news item dated 19.02.2024.
As per the news item, the statistics released by Karnataka State Pollution Control Board had revealed that purity of water in Cauvery has touched ‘C’ grade at its birth district.
As per the criteria, river water that has ‘A’ grade certificate is good and water can be used from the source directly but, ‘C’ grade water means that the water can be used only after conventional treatment.
The news item reveals that waste water is flowing into the river from commercial buildings and other set ups. Unscientific growth of tourism has contributed to the increased waste and garbage being flown in the river.
There is a demand for release of a plan to preserve Cauvery and prevent pollution of river across 22 Grama Panchayats and Municipality of Kushalnagar, Virajpet and Madikeri Taluks.
The news item raises substantial issue relating to compliance of the environmental norms.
“Power of the Tribunal to take up the matter in suo-motu exercise of power has been recognized by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the matter of “Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs. Ankita Sinha & Ors.” reported in 2021 SCC Online SC 897.”
Hence, the Principal Bench of Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Dr. A Senthil Vel impleaded the following as respondents in the matter:
(1). Central Pollution Control Board through its Member Secretary.
(2). Karnataka State Pollution Control Board through its Member Secretary.
(3). Deputy Commissioner & District Magistrate, Kodagu, Medikeri.
Since the matter relates to the Southern Zonal Bench, Chennai , therefore, the Bench transferred the matter to the Southern Zonal Bench , for appropriate further action. Office is directed by the NGT to transfer the original record to the Southern Zonal Bench and the matter is listed on 04.07.2024.