National Green Tribunal on Sep 20, 2016 directed the Ministry of External Affairs to continue discussions with the Govt. of Bangladesh for setting up of an Effluent Treatment Plant for the industries contributing to the pollution of river Mathabanga which subsequently flow into river Churni in West Bengal. 

Judgement of the National Green Tribunal (Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata) in the matter of Madan Lal Vs Ministry of External Affairs & Others dated 21/09/2016 regarding severe pollution of the river Churni (Nadia District, West Bengal) resulting in huge fish-kill. The applicant submitted before the Court that a factory named “Karo and Company” located at Darshana in Bangladesh manufacturing sugar, wine, chemicals etc. releases its stored waste water from Lagoon into the river Mathabangha which ultimately finds its way into the river Churni thereby polluting the water significantly.

National Green Tribunal directs the Ministry of External Affairs to continue negotiating with the Govt. of Bangladesh on setting up of an Effluent Treatment Plant with funding by Govt. of India for the industries contributing to the pollution of river Mathabanga which subsequently flow into river Churni in West Bengal. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) shall be prepared within three months by the Municipal Engineering Directorate (MED), Govt. of West Bengal engaging reputed consultant(s) having similar experience on Low Cost Waste Water Treatment after carrying out field survey in terms of the feasibility study already conducted by the two experts, viz., Prof. Mazumdar and Prof. Bhattacharjee through reconnaissance survey of the area.

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