Pollution in Bandi: NGT refuses to waive fine on govt

NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal has refused to modify its order slapping a fine of ₹20 crore on Rajasthan government for not taking proper action to control pollution in the Bandi river by local textile industries.

A bench headed by Justice Raghuvendra S Rathore said that considering the damage caused to the environment due to the industries, environment compensation of ₹20 crore cannot be considered to be excessive.

“We are of the considered opinion that the applicant is not entitled to any of the reliefs prayed for in the review application for the simple reason that in the order dated January 31 there is no error apparent on the face of the record,” the bench said.

The tribunal also refused to extend the time limit till December 2010 for achieving ‘Zero Liquid Discharge’ and operation of Sewage Treatment Plants to their optimum capacity, terming the plea as pre-mature.

“The concerning industry should first proceed for complying the order passed by the tribunal and thereafter, if the work is not completed within time frame then only they should seek extension, if it is justified,” the bench said.

The plea filed by the Rajasthan government has sought review of the January 31 order of the tribunal which slapped a fine of ₹20 crore on it for not performing its function properly to control pollution in the Bandi river by local textile industries.

On January 31, the NGT had directed the Rajasthan chief secretary to deposit the money as an interim amount within one month towards environment compensation to the Central Pollution Control Board, which may be recovered from the polluters.

PTI