Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Dr. Balkrishna A. Shelar Vs State of Maharashtra dated 05/04/2019 regarding pollution of River Panchganga in District Kolhapur, Maharashtra.

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The report from the Maharashtra State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) and the District Magistrate, Kolhapur submitted before the Tribunal states that Kolhapur Municipal Corporation has been informed about the illegal constructions in red zone area of Panchganga River. But the report does not show performance of duties by the MSPCB even though the orders were passed three months ago. Further, the Kolhapur Municipal Corporation has failed to demarcate the red zone area, in coordination with the Irrigation Department.

The NGT directs the Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development, Maharashtra to oversee remedial action and ensure that the polluting activities are dis-continued and polluters are made accountable to law by way of prosecution and payment of compensation for the damage to the environment.