VIJAYAWADA: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognizance of an article published in TNIE, highlighting the damage caused to the ecosystem due to the rising footfall in tourist places.
The NGT Principal Bench at Delhi has also served notices on the State Pollution Control Board (APPCB) and Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India (MoEF&CC), Southern Region, seeking their response.
The Tribunal said a joint committee, comprising the Regional Officer, MoEF&CC and the representative of Member Secretary, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), shall be formed to ascertain the current state of affairs and asked for the report to be submitted before the Southern Zonal Bench of NGT.
The TNIE on February 12 had published a report titled “Rise in footfall in eco-sensitive areas poses threat to bio-diversity and wildlife.” Citing the report, the NGT Bench said the news item raised the issue of risk imposed on bio-diversity and the native wildlife of the eco-sensitive areas of Andhra Pradesh due to increased human footprint, evident in the form of litter and waste.
“The report mentions that several hill stations, such as Paderu, Gudisa and segments of the Nallamalla forest region, have been compelled to shut their doors temporarily to address the mounting debris issue. It also advices local authorities to enforce a ban on plastic within the protected area and stresses the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining cleanliness in these environments,” the NGT noted.
NGT underlines need to set up panel to assess conditions at tourist spots
Further, the report also suggested the proposal to establish checkpoints to monitor the transportation of plastic in the hilly and reserved areas. “It emphasises on the efforts required to combat plastic pollution and also raises the issue of forest fire,” the Tribunal observed.
The NGT pointed out that the news report involves substantial issues relating to compliance of environmental norms.
Stating that the Tribunal has the power to take up the matter suo-motu as recognised by the Supreme Court in the matter of “Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs. Ankita Sinha & Ors,” the NGT impleaded the APPCB), through its Member Secretary, and the MoEF & CC, Regional Office (SEZ), Chennai as respondents in the matter.
The NGT felt that forming a joint committee was necessary to ascertain the current state of affairs in view of the facts reflected in the news item. Further, the Bench directed the panel to submit the report of findings before the Southern Zonal Bench of the Tribunal at least one week before the next date of hearing. Notices should be issued to the respondents for filing their response at least one week before the next date of hearing, it said.
