The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has fined nine colonies and three builders in Agra with a fine amount of ₹ 1.41 crore under its “Polluter Pays” initiative. The fine is the estimated cost of a pipeline to sewage treatment plant. Besides, the Agra Development Authority (ADA) on Friday issued notice to the builders and colonisers. The NGT order was issued after the petitioner D.K. Joshi, an environmentalist, furnished proof of a pipeline releasing waste and sewer directly into Yamuna river. The next date of hearing is October 12.
Justice Swantra Kumar, Chairperson of NGT, heading the special bench of NGT, came down heavily both on the government agencies and the private builders for raising structures on the river’s flood plains and discharging sewer and solid waste into the river.
It is pertinent to mention that last month, the NGT had fined the Agra Municipal Corporation Rs.1 lakh as penalty to be charged from the officials for dumping solid waste on the river bed.
In the present case, petitioner D.K. Joshi welcomed the NGT order saying he was only concerned with checking pollution in the river and ensuring the minimal flow in Yamuna round the year. “Those who have destroyed the river, the lifeline of the entire Braj Mandal, will be identified soon and law will take its course,” Joshi said.
