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NGT Slams Elite For Destroying Water Bodies
11 Feb
Summary
- NGT criticizes the elite class for unchecked destruction of national water bodies.
- A sacred pond in Jhalawar, Rajasthan, is a key case of pollution from sewage.
- The tribunal cited Aravalli Hills degradation and Bengaluru lake shrinkage.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has voiced grave concerns over the rampant destruction of the nation's water bodies and wetlands, directly blaming the "elite class" for their unchecked exploitation. The tribunal pointed to the degradation of the Aravalli Hills and the diminishing lakes of Bengaluru as stark examples of this national pattern.
In a specific case concerning a sacred pond in Jhalawar, Rajasthan, the NGT noted its severe pollution due to untreated sewage and dairy waste. This sacred site has transformed into a sink, endangering biodiversity and public health. The NGT criticized statutory authorities for their laxity in protecting these vital resources.
The NGT emphasized that the universe and living beings are creations of the divine, and disturbing the balance of five elements leads to pollution. It underscored that protecting the environment is a fundamental duty enshrined in the Constitution, aligning with the Right to Life which includes a healthy environment.
The tribunal warned that when law protectors become violators, the law itself is compromised. It stressed that natural resources are held in trust for the public and cannot be degraded for private gain, invoking the Public Trust Doctrine.
