The National Green Tribunal has delivered a strong rebuke to multiple government authorities and a private developer for their failure to address the discharge of untreated wastewater that has been stagnating for over a year in an open plot near Daun Majra village in Kharar, Mohali.
Systemic Failure Exposed
The case originated when applicant Vijay Kumar Pathania filed a letter petition on January 11, 2024, alleging that sewage from Green Enclave was being dumped on open land, directly affecting his residence located near the TDI project. Acting on this complaint, the tribunal constituted a joint committee on November 8, 2024.
The committee's report, submitted on January 10, 2025, confirmed that large quantities of untreated wastewater were accumulating in a plot owned by a private developer situated behind Pathania's house. Despite these clear findings and repeated directions from the tribunal, no remedial measures were implemented over the past year.
Administrative Gaps and Negligence
The tribunal observed that the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) limited itself to filing lengthy reports rather than initiating preventive or punitive action for continued non-compliance. "No effective steps have been taken for remediation," the bench emphasized, highlighting systemic negligence in addressing the environmental hazard.
During recent proceedings, the tribunal discovered significant jurisdictional complexities. The affected area does not fall under the municipal corporation of Mohali but comes under the jurisdiction of the gram panchayat of Green Enclave, while overall development in the region is regulated by the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (Gmada). Notably, the municipal corporation did not even appear before the tribunal, further exposing administrative gaps.
Strict Actions Ordered
Taking serious note of the prolonged inaction, the bench ordered the impleadment of the sarpanch of Green Enclave, the chief administrator of Gmada, and the managing director of the developer group as respondents in the case. They have been directed to file detailed responses within three weeks, outlining steps taken so far and future plans for environmental remediation.
The tribunal has also directed the District Magistrate of Mohali to ensure that notices are served to the sarpanch and the developer. Given the gravity of the situation, NGT has ordered the personal presence of concerned officials, including PPCB's regional officer, during the next hearing scheduled for December 8.
The case highlights the critical need for coordinated action among multiple government bodies and private developers to address environmental concerns promptly and effectively, preventing long-term damage to local ecosystems and public health.
