NGT Imposes Rs 1 Lakh Cost On Pune Cantt Board For Delaying Resolution Of Garbage Burning Incidents
NGT Seeks Report On Encroached Forest Land In Pune, Directs District Collector To Clarify Status
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) bench in Pune has imposed a cost of Rs 1 lakh on the Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) for delaying the resolution of a case related to open garbage burning at Hadapsar Industrial Estate. The burning of garbage had affected around 200 families in the area.
The NGT had sought a reply from the PCB on September 30, but neither a reply was filed nor did any authorized person appear before the bench. The tribunal has now directed the PCB to file its report within one month from the order date.
The NGT bench, comprising Justice Arun Kumar Tyadi and expert member Vijay Kulkarni, observed that environmental pollution is a serious problem that requires immediate action. The bench took note of a news report that highlighted the plight of 200 families who were affected by the garbage burning in the area.
The PCB has been accused of not taking adequate measures to prevent garbage burning in the area. The Pune Municipal Corporation had stated that the dumping site falls within the PCB’s jurisdiction. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board had also issued proposed directions to the Cantonment Board on July 30, but no reply was received from the PCB.
The NGT has directed the chief executive officer of the PCB to appear in person for the next hearing scheduled on January 27, 2025. The cost deposited by the PCB will be utilized for providing legal aid to applicants who are not represented by any lawyer.
