NGT Denounces Panel's Delay in Kasauli Kund Pollution Sample Collection

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) expressed concerns over potential local interference in a case involving pollution of a natural water source in Solan, Himachal Pradesh. The tribunal was examining allegations against Mohan Meakin Private Limited’s distillery for discharging effluents into Kasauli Kund.

Formation of New Joint Committee

In January, the NGT established a panel to inspect the water source, assess pollution levels, and recommend solutions. This panel submitted two reports. However, by April, the tribunal questioned the credibility of these reports and formed a new joint committee. This new committee included the Solan district magistrate, HPPCB member secretary, and representatives from MoEF&CC and CPCB.

The NGT bench, led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, noted that the new joint committee failed to submit its report. Instead, an action-taken report was provided by the district's deputy commissioner. The bench also included judicial member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member A Senthil Vel.

Delays in Sample Collection

The tribunal criticised the delay in sample collection by the new joint committee. The samples were taken on July 3, despite the committee being constituted on April 9. The bench remarked, "We fail to understand when the new joint committee was constituted on April 9, 2024, why immediate action in terms of the direction of the tribunal was not taken and why the committee waited till July 3 to take the samples."

The NGT highlighted that by July 3, monsoon rains would have started, potentially diluting the samples and affecting their accuracy. The tribunal stated that this delay had frustrated its order.

Concerns Over Report Credibility

The green panel observed discrepancies in the report filed on July 18. It noted that although the report mentioned attached photographs of the visit, no annexures were included. This raised further doubts about the report's credibility.

Justice Shrivastava's bench pointed out that there might be local forces attempting to prevent accurate information from reaching the tribunal. The NGT stressed that this issue needed serious attention from the HPPCB member secretary.

Next Steps and Further Proceedings

The tribunal has summoned the HPPCB member secretary to appear virtually at the next hearing. They are required to explain their position and any actions taken against those responsible for delays that may have exacerbated environmental damage. The NGT granted an additional four weeks for the panel to file its report.

The matter is scheduled for further proceedings on October 23.