The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognizance of a government report that identifies over 1,200 sources of pollution that are affecting water bodies in Punjab.
The petition is registered suo-motu on the basis of the news item dated 16.09.2024.
As per the article, the highest number of pollution sources, 390, were found in Amritsar, followed by 159 in Sangrur.
The article highlights that the report provides a district-wise breakdown of pollution sources, with other notable figures including 82 in Jalandhar, 66 in Patiala, and 59 in Barnala.
As per the report, untreated water from villages, municipal committees, and other organizations is often discharged directly into rivers and drains, leading to significant water pollution. This practice violates both the Water Pollution Act and the Northern India Canals and Drainage Act of 1873.
Furthermore, it is asserted that pollution is not just an environmental issue; it poses significant risks to public health, affecting drinking water supplies and increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.
The news item raises substantial issues relating to compliance of 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, Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and Expert Member Dr A. Senthil Vel impleaded the following as respondents in the matter:
(1). Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), Through its Member Secretary.
(2). Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Through its Member Secretary.
(3). Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The Bench issued notice to the Respondents and listed the matter on 04.02.2025.