Why was the trout fish farm owner awarded compensation by the NGT?

The owner was awarded Rs 47.14 lakh compensation because illegal dumping of muck and debris during bridge construction caused environmental damage to the farm, leading to fish deaths and destruction of eggs.

Who is responsible for the pollution that damaged the fish farm?

The National Green Tribunal held the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (HPPWD) and its contractor responsible for polluting the stream and causing damage to the trout fish farm.

When did the damage to the trout fish farm occur?

The damage to the trout fish farm occurred during the period between December 2018 and January 2022, which was the construction period for the Haripur bridge.

Home / Environment / NGT Awards Rs 47 Lakh Compensation for Fish Farm Damage

NGT Awards Rs 47 Lakh Compensation for Fish Farm Damage

29 Jan

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Summary

Trout fish farm owner awarded over Rs 47 lakh compensation.
Illegal dumping of muck during bridge construction caused damage.
NGT held Public Works Department liable for pollution and fish death.

NGT Awards Rs 47 Lakh Compensation for Fish Farm Damage

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the payment of Rs 47.14 lakh as environmental compensation to a trout fish farm owner in Kullu district. The compensation is for damages incurred between 2018 and 2022 due to the illegal dumping of muck and debris during the construction of a bridge over Haripur Nallah. This pollution led to the death of thousands of trout fish and destruction of fish eggs at the downstream 'Himalayan Trout Fish Farm'.

The NGT's bench, led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, determined that the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (HPPWD) and its contractor violated pollution control laws. Official inspection reports from various government departments confirmed environmental damage resulting from the construction activities. The tribunal rejected the respondents' claims that flash floods in 2023 caused the destruction, citing evidence of damage occurring much earlier.

The tribunal has held the HPPWD and the contractor jointly and severally liable for the compensation. The HPPWD has been granted the option to recover the awarded amount from the private contractor. The payment is mandated within two months of the order.

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