The National Green Tribunal (NGT) took Suo Motu cognizance of the matter relating to the rising water crisis in Kolkata (West Bengal).
The Petition is registered suo-moto on the basis of the news item dated 22.04.2024.
As per the article, Kolkata is facing acute water shortage as ground water level has depleted significantly. Moreover, the demand for the supplied water tankers has gone up with the rising temperature in the area.
It states that an increase in demand for water and the resultant scarcity is being felt in pockets across the city as the residents struggle to grapple with the heat.
The article alleges that the areas that are extremely dependent on underground water are the worst affected this summer as the water level has gone down in the absence of rain.
It states that the areas of east and southeast Kolkata are dependent on groundwater and the areas in the city where the pressure of water in the supply line is low are also reeling from a crisis.
The above news item indicated the Bench violation of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the provisions of The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
The news item raises substantial issue relating to compliance of the environmental norms, specially the issue of depleting groundwater level and implementation of the provisions of scheduled enactment.
“Power of the Tribunal to take up the matter in suo-motu exercise of power has been recognized by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the matter of “Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs. Ankita Sinha & Ors.” reported in 2021 SCC Online SC 897.”
Hence, Principal Bench of Justice Prakash Shrivastava , Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and Dr. A Senthil Vel impleaded the following as respondents in the matter:
(i) West Bengal State Pollution Control Board, through its Member Secretary.
(ii) Central Pollution Control Board, through its Member Secretary.
(iii) Central Ground Water Board, through its Chairman.
(iv) Municipal Commissioner, Kolkata.
The Bench issued notice to the Respondents.
Since the matter relates to the Eastern Zonal Bench, Kolkata , therefore, the Bench transferred the matter to the Eastern Zonal Bench , for appropriate further action. Office is directed by the NGT to transfer the original record to the Eastern Zonal Bench and the matter is listed on 26.07.2024.