The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to furnish a performance guarantee of ₹25 crore to ensure compliance of solid waste management rules in Agra and especially at the Taj Trapezium Zone.
A Bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel said, “In view of the grave situation affecting public health in a big way and the failure of authorities in discharging their duties, we direct the State of U.P. to furnish a performance guarantee of ₹25 crore to comply with timelines in the action plan to be submitted.”
Coming down heavily on the State government for failure in curbing open dumping and garbage burning, the Bench said, “Mere passing of orders by the Tribunal is of no value unless the same are faithfully executed. The authorities have not been fully successful in their performance of duties to protect the environment… damages can be recovered not only from the polluters but also State functionaries who collude with the polluters.”
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The Chief Secretary of the U.P. government has also been asked to be present before the tribunal on March 12.
‘Punish the guilty’
The green panel further directed the State government to determine the liability of erring officers, polluters and take appropriate action against them.
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“The concerned State authorities may take steps to recover appropriate compensation from the identified polluters in accordance with law and furnish an action taken report within three months,” the Bench said.