NGT Forms Committees to Probe Sewage Plant Location and Mining Deaths in India

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the formation of a two-member joint committee to investigate a complaint filed by villagers in Kotputli–Behror, Rajasthan. The villagers are protesting the proposed location of a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) situated very close to their homes, an ancient religious site, an educational institution, and the village's primary water source. They allege that the Nagar Parishad Kotputli is violating environmental norms by not considering an available alternative site. The NGT emphasized that consent from the State Pollution Control Board is mandatory for STPs and that they must be sited at a reasonable distance from habitations.

In a separate development, the NGT took suo motu cognizance of a mining collapse in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, which resulted in two fatalities. A two-member joint committee has been ordered to investigate this incident, which occurred during illegal coal extraction in a closed open-cast mine. The plea highlighted the dangers posed by abandoned mines becoming hubs for illegal and hazardous activities.

Furthermore, the NGT received a report from the district forest officer in Agra detailing the utilization of funds deposited for compensatory plantation, where 190 saplings were planted. A fine collected for illegal tree felling was also deposited.

Impact These actions by the NGT signify increased regulatory scrutiny on environmental compliance and safety in infrastructure development and resource extraction projects across India. This could lead to project delays, higher operational costs due to stricter adherence to norms, and potential enforcement actions against illegal activities in both the sewage management and mining sectors. Rating: 6/10.

Explanation of difficult terms: National Green Tribunal (NGT): A specialized Indian court tasked with handling environmental law and issues. Sewage Treatment Plant (STP): A facility designed to treat wastewater from domestic and industrial sources before releasing it into the environment. District Collector: The chief administrative and revenue officer of an Indian district. State Pollution Control Board (SPCB): A state-level agency responsible for monitoring and controlling environmental pollution. Nagar Parishad: A municipal council, a form of local self-government in India. Suo Motu: An action taken by a court or tribunal on its own initiative, without a formal request from parties involved. Open-cast mine: A surface mining method where the material above the ore deposit is removed to access the mineral below. Compensatory Plantation: The process of planting new trees to make up for trees cut down for development projects.