NGT panels to study, report on dumping in Buckingham Canal

Taking cognisance of news reports, the bench comprising judicial member Justice K Ramakrishnan and expert member Saibal Dasgupta, said: “Time and again this tribunal has given directions to monitor the implementation of Solid Waste Management Rules and other rules relating to disposal of different types of waste. But such things are still recurring, exposing the lethargic attitude of the local authorities in implementing the rules to achieve the goal for protecting the environment.”

The bench also recorded that Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (Metro Water) that has been carrying out dredging at the creek to lay underwater pipeline to take treated water from Kodungaiyur treatment plant to industries on Manali-Ennore corridor, was dumping the dredged materials in the canal in violation of Solid Waste Management Rules and the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification.

It also impleaded Tangedco in the case, after finding that the utility, which has undertaken to dredge for laying transmission line along the creek, was also dumping waste there.

The bench then suo motu impleaded Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) Chairman as a party to the proceeding.

It also directed constitution of a joint committee comprising senior regional officers from the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, TN Coastal Zone Management Authority (TNCZMA), Metro Water, Water Resources Organisation of the PWD and TNPCB to inspect and submit a factual and action taken report on or before Jan 18.

On plea pertaining to garbage found in locations such as Mandaveli, Mylapore, Triplicane and outside the Central station, which impeded the flow of water in the canal, the bench suo motu impleaded the Coastal Regulation Zone Management Authority and TNCZMA as the canal falls under their jurisdiction.