NGT dismisses of Karnataka Govt's review petition challenging Rs 500 Crore penalty

Bengaluru, Feb 9: In a big setback to Karnataka Government, the National Green Tribunal ( NGT) has dismissed the Government of Karnataka's review petition against the NGT final order dated 06.12.2018 whereby State was directed to deposit 500 Crores in an escrow account.

The amount will be used to execute action plans and implement the Panjwani Committee Report and 75 crore penalty was imposed on the Government of Karnataka and the BBMP for environmental degradation of lakes.

This order was passed after the NGT took suo-motto cognisance after a fire broke out in Bellandur lake in February 2017 and after Namma Bengaluru Foundation (NBF) immediately pleaded in the matter.

The NGT has repeatedly reprimanded the Government of Karnataka and parastatal agencies for failing to protect the lake and its failure to discharge its duties. It has even stated that their sheer colossal neglect has caused immense harm to innumerable citizens and the brunt of which will be borne by several generations.

Suresh NR, Director, NBF, said, "NGT decision to dismiss the review petition by State Government of Karnataka is reassuring and is another victory for Namma Bengaluru, its lakes and water bodies. NGT had rightly ordered the state government to deposit Rs, 500 Cr in an escrow account and levied Rs 75 Cr penalty for degradation of Bellandur lake. We urge the government to immediately implement the order in word and spirit."