The National Green Tribunal (Central Zone Bench, Bhopal), November 9 issued a slew of directions for protection of Sambhar lake, a Ramsar site.

Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of In re: news report appearing in Express News Service dated14.09.2023 titled“Ramakkallake in TN polluted & emits foul smell, residents demand rejuvenation”. The application was registered on the basis of a news item published in the New Indian Express, September 14, 2023 which stated that pollution level has arisen in the Ramakkal lake with a foul smell causing distress to the nearby residents.  

Order of the National Green Tribunal In re: New item titled “Snow-like Chemical foam haunts” Appearing in Express News Service dated 08.09.2023 dated 26/09/2023.

Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of In re : News item titled appearing in The Hindu dated 29.08.2023. “960 acres of lake encroachments yet to be cleared in Bengaluru” dated 15/09/2023.

Telangana State Pollution Control Board report in the matter of the Tribunal on its own motion Suo Motu based on the News item in The Hindu Newspaper Edition Dt. 06.12.2020, “Lake encroachment in full swing at Mazid Banda” Vs Union of India & Others dated 16/08/2023.

Action taken report of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) in respect of Vengayyana Kere/ K R Puram lake/ tank located at K R Puram and Sannathammanahalli village, Hobli, Bengaluru east taluk, Bengaluru urban district dated 03/05/2023.

Inspection report on behalf of the Minor Irrigation Department in compliance with the National Green Tribunal order dated January 24, 2023.

An application was filed alleging dumping of waste and discharge of untreated sewage into the K. R. Puram Lake is situated in K R Puram lake, Hobli, Bengaluru east taluk, Bengaluru urban district, Karnataka. There was encroachment and laying of a road and pipeline and construction activities in the lake, the applicant said. The NGT directed the Minor Department to carry out a spot inspection and file a report with regard to the allegations.

Joint Committee report in the matter of Dr. Devesh Nigam Vs The State of Telangana dated 01/04/2023.

Dr. Devesh Nigam, Registrar, University of Hyderabad in his complaint to the NGT said that untreated sewage and medical waste was being discharged into Central University campus by Sports Complex of Telangana and Telangana Institute of Medical Sciences (TIMS) and also from adjacent colonies.

Order of the Supreme Court of India in the matter of State of Karnataka Vs Central Pollution Control Board dated 27/02/2023.

Tushar Mehta, Solicitor General appearing for the state of Karnataka submitted that on principle, the state government is also interested in adopting all restoration measures noticed by the NGT in reference to the damage caused to the Chandrapura lake.

Order of the Supreme Court of India in the matter of The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board Vs B Prathap Reddy & Others dated 21/02/2023. Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) has deposited Rs.10,00,00,000 (rupees ten crores) on December, 12, 2022. Rs. 5,00,00,000 (rupees five crores) will be deposited on or before March 31, 2023.