Aishwarya Rathore –
Published on: August 16, 2021 14:00 IST
The Supreme Court has stayed the order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), summoning the Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal over increasing pollution in various water bodies.
The Hon’ble Court stated, “Taking coercive action against a Municipal Commissioner is not justified, especially when the official is engaged in a herculean effort to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic for protecting the residents of the Metropolis.”
The Court further added, “Reasonable time should be given to Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai(MCGM) and the Municipal Commissioner to appraise the Tribunal of the steps taken.”
On July 16, citing delays in the execution of the sewage disposal plan in Mumbai the NGT had ordered Mr Chahal to appear before the Tribunal in person.
Following this, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) moved the Supreme Court, seeking relief against the NGT order.
The Court stated, “The Municipal Corporation must make every effort to comply with the directions of the NGT by setting up the required facilities and upgrading existing facilities.”
The Supreme Court refused to stay in the NGT proceedings in the matter of discharge of untreated sewage in sea and water bodies.
However, even after 15 years since it was planned, there have been no substantial modifications. The Municipal Corporation was fined Rs. 34 crore last year for polluting the sea and streams.
Also Read: What is National Green Tribunal?