Apex Court Stays Cost Imposed By National Green Tribunal Against Maharastra
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has ordered a stay on the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) 2022 directive for the State of Maharashtra to deposit Rs 12,000 crore for mishandling solid and liquid waste. Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi argued against the amount, citing a pending review before the NGT, emphasising the overwhelming fine.
The Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, issued notice on the plea and suspended the NGT order. The NGT had imposed the hefty Environmental Compensation under section 15 of the NGT Act, addressing alleged negligence in waste management.
The compensation aimed to remedy environmental damage and adhere to waste management norms. The NGT specified the compensation of Rs. 12,000 crores, directing Maharashtra to deposit it within two months for restoration measures. For liquid waste treatment gaps, the NGT outlined compensation of Rs. 10,840.66 crores and Rs. 1,200 crores for un-remediated legacy waste.
The NGT’s action plan for solid waste management involved setting up processing plants, remediating 84 sites, and following CPCB guidelines for bio-remediation. The restoration plan, overseen by the Chief Secretary, had a time-bound execution and allowed additional compensation for violations.
