National Green Tribunal issues notice to Chennai collector over canal pollution
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to the Chennai District Collector and the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, seeking their responses regarding pollution concerns in the Captain Cotton Canal in Chennai.The Tribunal was hearing a suo motu (initiated on its own, without formal complaint or petition from an external party) case concerning the Captain Cotton Canal, which has become severely clogged due to the widespread dumping of garbage and the discharge of untreated sewage.advertisementIn an order dated May 29, a bench of NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member A Senthil Vel said, "As per the news item, the situation becomes particularly dire at the stretch near Anderson Road, close to the Ayanavaram bus stand, where heaps of plastic waste and garbage severely impede the water flow."
The report further highlighted the discharge of untreated raw sewage directly into the canal, worsening its condition and contributing to the degradation of the once-functional waterway.'The news item indicates violation of the provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, Solid Waste Management Rules and the Environment (Protection) Act,' the tribunal said.The bench observed that the news report raised 'substantial issues' concerning compliance with environmental regulations.Accordingly, the tribunal added the Chennai District Collector and the Member Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board as parties to the case and directed: 'Issue notice to the above respondents for filing their response/reply.'advertisementThe matter has been scheduled to be heard before the NGT's Southern Zonal Bench in Chennai on August 1.Written by Rahen Philip
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