The National Green Tribunal (NGT) took Suo Motu cognizance of the matter related to the issue of disposal of sewage in Katraj Lake in Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Pune resulting in foul smell and mosquitoes, causing distress to the residents of the area.
The Petition is registered suo-moto on the basis of the news item appearing in the daily newspaper dated 12.02.2024.
As per the said news item, the sewage water is being released in Katraj Lake leading to pollution in the lake, fouls smell and other serious issues. The pollution in the lake and emitting foul smell is creating health hazards to the local residents.
The news item raises substantial issue relating to compliance of environmental norms and implementation of the provisions of the Scheduled enactments.
“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, the Principal Bench of Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Dr. A Senthil Vel impleaded the following as respondents in the matter:
(1). Maharashtra State Pollution Control Board through its Member Secretary.
(2). Central Pollution Control Board through its Member Secretary.
(3). District Collector/District Magistrate, Pune.
(4). Pune Municipal Corporation through its Commissioner.
Since the matter relates to the Western Zonal Bench, Pune , therefore , the Bench transferred the matter to the Western Zonal Bench for appropriate further action. Office is directed by the NGT to transfer the original record to the Western Zonal Bench and the matter is listed on 28.05.2024.