DELHI/BENGALURU: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) came down heavily on state authorities on Wednesday and said it was surprised by their apathy towards rejuvenation of the Bellandur lake.
The tribunal issued suo motu show cause notices against various state authorities such as KSPCB, KLCDA, BDA, BWSSB and CPCB, asking why they should not be prosecuted and direct the imposition of environment compensation under Section 16 and 17 of NGT Act for the recent outbreak of fire in the lake.
The bench headed by NGT chief Justice Swatanter Kumar lashed out at the state government and pointed out the fact that the agencies that are authorised for maintaining lakes in the city are itself making a mockery of environment. In harsh words, the tribunal said, “You can’t ruin a city like Bengaluru.”
Further, the tribunal has directed BDA and BWSSB to file an affidavit within two weeks explaining the steps they have taken for the preservation of the lakes in the city.
Karntaka State Pollution Control Board chief Laxman pointed, out, “We have highlighted whatever actions that has been taken from our side in front of the Tribunal. We informed that we have implemented all the directions regarding the buffer zone as well. We also pointed out that an expert committee report have laid down short term and long term goals to rejuvenate the lake, which will be implemented shortly.”
Upholding the intervention of NGT, Ramesh Sivaram, Secretary, The Forward Foundation, said, “For a long time, civic bodies have been playing with the lives of people of Bellandur and have neglected rejuvenating the lake despite the NGT order passed to do so. It’s time the government take steps on the recommendations suggested by the expert’s committee.”
The matter is now listed for next hearing on March 20.