Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of In re: News item published in Times Now dated 05.03.2022 titled “Rajasthan: Over 50 crocodiles dead in a month due to construction and beautification activities in Kota’s Kala Talab” dated 05/07/2022.

The matter was taken up in the light of a media report titled “Rajasthan: Over 50 crocodiles dead in a month due to construction and beautification activities in Kota’s Kala Talab”. A joint committee report, May 28, 2022 said that there was no evidence of death of the crocodiles.

The NGT, July 5, 2022 expressed its dissatisfaction with the report and said that neither water quality of the pond in question was mentioned nor any clarifications given on whether constructions in the area are being undertaken after the requisite environmental clearance. "The constructions appear to be more than 1.5 lac sq. meters calling for EC as per EIA notification dated 14.9.2006," the NGT noted.

In view of above, the NGT directed a joint committee comprising Member Secretary, Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board and District Magistrate, Kota to further look into the matter after ascertaining the facts about water quality and legality of constructions in the area. Necessary remedial action must be taken so that the water quality is maintained as per the provisions of the Water Act, 1974 and constructions take place in accordance with the provisions of the EIA Notification and other applicable norms. The buffer zone in the periphery of the pond should be kept free of constructions.