NGT Calls CPCB to Account Over Delayed Water Body Chemical Report

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has truly turned up the heat on the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), issuing a sharp show-cause notice. The reason? A significant, indeed protracted, delay in submitting a vital report concerning the use of chemicals, particularly in our precious natural water bodies like Pune's Mula and Mutha rivers. It's a clear signal that the NGT isn't at all pleased with the CPCB's pace on this absolutely crucial environmental matter.

This whole situation, you see, stems from a petition lodged by the NGO Jeevan Pradishthan, which initially brought to light the potential harm caused by such chemical interventions. Back in July of last year, the NGT bench, comprising the esteemed Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh (judicial member) and Dr. Vijay Kulkarni (expert member), had actually instructed the CPCB to form an expert committee. Their task was to conduct a thorough study and deliver a comprehensive report within three months—a deadline that, quite evidently, came and went without the report seeing the light of day. October 10th, 2023, was the date to remember, but it seems to have been, regrettably, overlooked.

Now, why is this report so critical, you might ask? Well, the concerns are pretty significant, to say the least. Chemicals like alum, often used in water treatment processes, can have seriously detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems, posing risks to fish and other invaluable wildlife. And it's not just the environment; there are also genuine worries about potential impacts on human health too. The bigger picture here is about diligently exploring and implementing safer, more sustainable alternatives to ensure our rivers and lakes remain pristine and vibrantly healthy for generations to come.

The NGT's patience, it seems, has well and truly worn thin. The recent notice demands a crystal-clear explanation from the CPCB for this protracted delay. The bench, in no uncertain terms, wants to understand the precise reasons behind the failure to meet the established timeline. With the next hearing slated for April 10th, the CPCB certainly has its work cut out to justify its inaction. It’s undeniably a moment of reckoning for environmental accountability, and rightly so.

Ultimately, this ongoing saga underscores the immense importance of timely action and meticulous oversight when it comes to protecting our natural resources. When environmental watchdogs like the NGT step in, it's a powerful reminder that bureaucratic delays simply cannot be tolerated, especially when the health of our rivers and the well-being of both wildlife and humans literally hang in the balance. Everyone involved, from the CPCB to local municipal bodies and even concerned citizens, truly bears a collective responsibility to safeguard these vital water lifelines for us all.