NGT Fines UP Jal Nigam for Hindon River Pollution
In News
What Happened
Why It Matters
Background
History & Context
What Changed
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Sewage Treatment Accountability: BEFORE, the UP Jal Nigam continuously delayed bridging the MLD (Million Litres Per Day) gap in urban sewage treatment without facing severe institutional consequences. NOW, the NGT has held the statutory body directly and financially liable with a massive Rs 21.53 crore penalty.
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Application of the 'Polluter Pays' Principle: BEFORE, state agencies frequently used administrative or funding hurdles as shields against liability for environmental degradation. NOW, the NGT has reinforced that statutory bodies share the same strict liability as private polluters when their negligence causes ecological harm.
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Ring-fenced Rejuvenation Funds: BEFORE, environmental compensation collected by the state was often absorbed into general administrative funds. NOW, the tribunal strictly mandated that the recovered Rs 21.53 crore be deposited and utilized exclusively for the on-ground restoration of the Hindon River ecosystem.
Prelims Angle
NCERT Connection
Practice Questions
Q1
Correct Statement(s)With reference to the Hindon River and the National Green Tribunal (NGT), consider the following statements: 1. The Hindon River is a rain-fed tributary of the Yamuna River that originates in the lower Shivalik ranges of Uttar Pradesh. 2. The NGT Act 2010 mandates the tribunal to apply the 'polluter pays' principle while passing orders or imposing environmental compensation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?