Puri: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Monday expressed concern about the increasing pollution caused by polythene in the pilgrim city and directed the municipal authorities to curb its use.
The green body’s eastern zone bench at Kolkata directed the civic body to take strong action against those violating the polythene ban rule.
Justice SP Wangdi issued the directives on a petition filed regarding problems in the pilgrim city. The petition filed by the Kolkata-based Subash Dutta had been pending with the NGT since 2013.
During Monday’s hearing, the bench expressed disappointment over non-implementation of rainwater harvesting projects in the government as well as private buildings in the city despite its order.
Earlier, the Puri Konark Development Authority (PKDA) had submitted an affidavit to the tribunal promising to implement the rainwater harvesting project in a phased manner. However, the tribunal expressed displeasure over non-implementation of the project and directed PKDA to submit an affidavit giving a deadline for implementing the project.
During the hearing, the state government submitted an affidavit regarding the tribunal’s November 2 order for installation of desalination plants in the city. In its affidavit the state informed the tribunal that safe drinking water is being supplied to city-residents by setting up drinking water projects. Hence, there is no need to set up desalination plants.
The tribunal directed the authorities to strictly implement the rules prohibiting digging up of bore wells and extraction of water within two metres of the sea. The NGT expressed displeasure over non-implementation of the order.
During the hearing, the municipal authorities informed the tribunal that they are not authorised to implement the rule following which the tribunal directed the PKDA to implement the order.
Moreover, the tribunal has directed the PKDA and the state government to submit affidavits before the next hearing which is scheduled on March 9.
PNN