New Delhi, October 15: For its alleged failure to manage solid and liquid waste management and causing harm to the environment, the state of Karnataka has been imposed environmental compensation of Rs 2,900 crore by the National Green Tribunal.
In a statement, the NGT said the award of compensation had become imperative under Section 15 of the NGT Act to remedy the continuing damage to the environment and to comply with directions of the Supreme Court requiring this Tribunal to monitor the enforcement of norms for solid and liquid waste management.
Moreover, without fixing the quantified liability necessary for restoration, the mere passing of orders has not shown any tangible results in the last eight years (for solid waste management) and five years (for liquid waste management), even after the expiry of statutory/laid down timelines. Continuing damage is required to be prevented in future and past damage is to be restored," said the NGT in its statement.
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The NGT Bench headed by Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel, in an order passed on October 13, 2022, said "we determine the compensation payable by the state of Karnataka". "In respect of the gap in the treatment of liquid waste/sewage ie 1427.4 MLD, compensation works out to Rs 2,856 crore. Un-remediated legacy waste is to the extent of 178.59 MT. The total compensation under the head for the failure to scientifically manage solid waste works out to Rs 540 crore. The total compensation comes to Rs 3,396 crore, or say Rs 3,400 crore. Out of the said amount, we deduct the amount of Rs 500 crore levied as compensation vide order dated October 10," the Tribunal said in the statement.
[caption id="attachment_706161" align="aligncenter" width="1042"]
In a statement, the NGT said the award of compensation had become imperative under Section 15 of the NGT Act to remedy the continuing damage to the environment.[/caption]
The remaining amount of Rs 2,900 crore may be deposited by the state of Karnataka in a separate ring-fenced account within two months, to be operated as per directions of the Chief Secretary and utilised for restoration measures preferably within six months.
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-PTC News with ANI inputs
