The National Green Tribunal (NGT) took Suo Motu cognizance of the matter relating to the death of thousands of fishes in the Yamuna river in Delhi’s Burari.
The Petition is registered suo-moto on the basis of the news item dated 04.07.2024.
As per the article, the water level in Yamuna river is often low before monsoon. There are dense clouds in the sky due to which the oxygen level in the water decreases which becomes a big problem for aquatic life. The article highlights that villagers are troubled by the foul smell emanating from fish carcasses.
It is further claimed that the fish have died due to chemical laden water from factories.
The news item states that wherever there is water logging and blockage in Yamuna, a large number of fish bodies are stuck there. Due to this, foul smell has spread in the entire area and it has become difficult for people to live.
It is also alleged that due to the foul smell, the workers have refused to work in the fields.
The news item raises substantial issue relating to compliance of the environmental norms, especially compliance of Environment Protection Act, 1986 and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
“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, Principal Bench of Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and Dr. A. Senthil Vel impleaded the following as respondents in the matter:
(1). Central Pollution Control Board, through its Member Secretary.
(2). Delhi Pollution Control Committee, through its Member Secretary.
(3). Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
(4). National Mission for Clean Ganga, through its Director General, Ministry of Jal Shakti, (Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation) Government of India.
(5). District Magistrate, North Delhi.
The Bench issued notice to the Respondents and listed the matter on 06.11.2024.