BENGALURU: The southern zone bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Wednesday warned the Karnataka government of issuing restraining orders if discharge of untreated sewage into Bellandur Lake is not stopped immediately.
The state Chief Secretary has also been directed to be present before the Tribunal on April 18, the next date of hearing.
The Tribunal also came down heavily on the Karnataka Lake Conservaton and Development Authority (KLCDA) saying it is the only such agency in the world which is allowing fire incidents in lakes.
The government, along with KLCDA and other authorities, have been directed to apprise the court about the measures taken, post the February 16 lake fire incident, to prevent such accidents in future.
The latest instance of fire in Bellandur lake was reported on February 16.
Taking suo motu cognisance of media reports and photographs of the incident, the NGT issued show-cause notices to various authorities such as the state and central pollution control boards, KLCDA, BDA and BWSSB asking why they should not be prosecuted.
It also asked why it should not direct imposition of environment compensation under Sections 16 and 17 of the NGT Act in connection with the fire incident.