NGT imposes Rs 3,500 cr fine on West Bengal over waste management
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New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal has imposed a fine of Rs 3,500 crore on the West Bengal government for inefficiency in solid and liquid waste management.
The court said the state government doesn't seem to prioritise setting up sewage and solid waste management facilities. This was included in the state's budget for 2022-2023. There is a provision of ₹ 12,818.99 crores for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs.
The bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice A K Goel said the government has a constitutional responsibility to provide a pollution-free environment for the people. The court noted that 1,490 MLD sewage generated is not treated in urban areas.
He added that the government cannot cite a lack of funds to deny the basic human right to life in such cases. "Considering the damage to the recipient environment, we hold that apart from ensuring compliance at the earliest, compensation has to be paid by the state for past violations," said the green court.
The sum of Rs 3,500 crore is expected to be deposited within two months. The West Bengal government will continue to face additional compensation if violations continue.
The tribunal stated that segregating solid waste at the source and processing it closest to the point of generation is imperative. "Compliance of environmental norms on the subject of waste management has to be high on priority."
The court added that it has come across cases of serious neglect. "We are of the view that issues have been identified and monitored by the tribunal for a long time. It is high time that the state realises its duty to the law and citizens and adopts further monitoring at its level."