The National Green Tribunal has taken strict action against state agencies in Uttarakhand for their handling of a controversial stone crusher establishment within the protected eco-sensitive zone of Rajaji Tiger Reserve.
Financial Penalty Imposed by Green Tribunal
The NGT has directed state agencies to deposit Rs 50,000 with the secretary of the NGT Bar Association within three weeks. This directive came during what was supposed to be the final hearing stage of the case, when counsel for the state unexpectedly sought additional time to file their response.
The tribunal expressed strong dissatisfaction with the state's approach to the matter. "We fail to understand such a stand at this stage when the final hearing of the matter has commenced," the bench remarked, clearly frustrated by the last-minute delay tactics.
State's Last-Minute Delay Tactics
During the proceedings, the state's counsel created controversy by arguing that the irrigation department was actually responsible for submitting the official response. This unexpected shift in responsibility occurred after the applicant's counsel had already begun presenting arguments in the case.
Instead of rendering assistance and arguing the matter, counsel for the state submitted that it is the irrigation department which has to respond, the bench noted in its observations about the state's uncooperative stance.
Environmental Concerns Raised
The case centers around serious environmental violations in one of Uttarakhand's most important protected areas. The complaint alleges that the stone crusher is being set up in the eco-sensitive zone of Rajaji Tiger Reserve without mandatory clearance from the National Board for Wildlife.
Additional concerns raised during the hearing include the crusher's location within an active elephant corridor and its placement in an active flood zone. The applicant's counsel argued that the Uttarakhand State Pollution Control Board fails to consider critical wildlife impact factors, particularly regarding elephant corridors, when granting environmental clearances.
In response to these serious allegations, the tribunal has directed the member secretary of the Uttarakhand State Pollution Control Board to file a personal affidavit within three weeks. The NGT has granted the state four additional weeks to comply with all requirements, but this extension is conditional upon the payment of the Rs 50,000 deposit.
The case has been scheduled for its next hearing on May 2, when the tribunal will expect more substantial progress from the state agencies involved in this environmentally sensitive matter.
