Introduction:

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) principal bench has taken a stern stand on the delayed response to groundwater contamination in Sangrur, Punjab. In the case of H.C. Arora v. State of Punjab & Ors., the NGT expressed surprise at the delay in submitting a status report by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) and the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB). The tribunal, led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, directed the Director of NEERI and the Member Secretary of PPCB to explain the delay and propose immediate remedial measures in a virtual appearance.

Arguments:

The NGT’s directive came after reviewing a committee’s status report that revealed significant groundwater contamination in Sangrur. Samples from 18 borewells indicated widespread contamination, prompting the tribunal to address the urgency of the matter. The PPCB informed the tribunal that NEERI was assigned the task of surveying and proposing remedial measures in August 2023. However, despite assurances, NEERI’s report was still pending, leading to the NGT’s intervention.

Court’s Judgement:

Expressing dissatisfaction with the delay and lack of short-term remedial measures, the NGT summoned the Director of NEERI and the Member Secretary of PPCB to provide explanations and immediate action plans. The tribunal emphasized the seriousness of the groundwater contamination issue and demanded a swift response to remediate the situation. The NGT also directed PPCB to submit a status report regarding the contamination’s spread after the removal of soil from the affected area. The case is scheduled for further consideration on March 21.