The National Green Tribunal has ordered all the State Governments along with the Union Territories to identify and notify wetlands in at least five (in case of smaller States like Haryana and Delhi) to ten districts (in case of bigger States like UP or Tamil Nadu) under their jurisdiction. July 22, the next date for hearing the case, has been set as the deadline for this. Also, the Tribunal has warned the States of punitive actions over non-compliance of its orders.
The Agriculture Ministry has urged the Government of the States facing drought to periodically review water shortage and prepare action plans on a weekly basis. Further, the States have been advised to use innovation and technologies to address the challenges of water conservation and water security. In last few months, Centre has met many States in the grip of drought and recently Rs 600 crore additional funds have been released to Odisha to battle droughts. It seems that the Centre will be spending a whooping Rs 24,000 crore by June this year to tackle drought across the country.
The Environment Ministry has filed a complaint in the National Green Tribunal against five municipal bodies of Uttar Pradesh — Mirzapur, Chunar, Bhadoi, Fatehpur and Hastinapur — for violation of sewage treatment norms. This is the first time that an action against civic bodies is sought for non-compliance on anti-pollution measures. Along with this, the Ministry has asked all the States across the country to get strict with municipal corporations for not complying with environment rules.
The National Green Tribunal has sought a response from the Delhi Police on non-payment of water bills allegedly amounting to Rs 232 crore. Along with this, notices have been issued to the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), Delhi Government and Delhi Pollution Control Committee over the issue. Also, the Tribunal has reprimanded the Delhi and District Cricket Association, DJB and Tata Power Delhi Distribution over wastage of water.
The Supreme Court has ordered to return the land acquired for residential or commercial projects to owners, in case the projects do not take off. Following the orders, the Government has been forbidden from using its powers of compulsory land acquisition to serve the vested interests of builders. The orders have been issued after the Haryana Government has been exposed of transferring over 250 acres of land acquired from farmers in Rohtak to a private builder.
This is a roundup of important policy matters from May 18-23, 2016. Also read last week's news roundup.