The National Green Tribunal (NGT) took Suo Motu cognizance of the issue of sand mining affecting the water body.
This Application is registered suo-moto on the basis of the news item dated 16.12.2023 appearing in the website.
As per the report, the Perur lake gently sloping wetland that nurtured a combination of residents and migrant water birds, has now been transformed into an unfriendly location with deep pits and valleys.
The report further says that during the monsoon rains, commercial fishing operations are put in place with the help of nets that crisscross the wetlands.
Further grievances have been raised relating to expansion of road and removal of vegetation and encroachment along with the building of the containment wall. The said activities have affected the water body.
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 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 Original Application:
i. Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board through the Member Secretary
ii. Collector and District Magistrate, Coimbatore
iii. Water Resource Department of State of Tamil Nadu through its Chairman
Since the matter relates to the Southern Zone Bench, Chennai, therefore , the Bench transferred the matter to the Southern Zone Bench for appropriate further action. Office is directed by the NGT to transfer the original record to the Southern Zone Bench and the matter is listed on 13.03.2024.