NGT takes Suo Motu cognizance of severe water scarcity in major cities of Karnataka

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) took Suo Motu cognizance of the matter relating  to severe water scarcity in Karnataka’s major cities like Bengaluru, Mangaluru and Shivamogga.

The Petition is registered suo-moto on the basis of the news item dated 06.04.2024.

As per the article, relying entirely on monsoon rains to replenish water reserves has become increasingly precarious due to dwindling and erratic rainfall patterns. Shivamogga, even though benefitted by a natural drainage system, is also facing looming water scarcity. 

The news item further alleges that Shivamogga’s rapid urbanization, industrial growth and real estate expansion, exacerbates water consumption. Coupled with inauguration of the airport and the district’s emergence as a healthcare and education tourism hub, the development has come at a cost, with Tunga river witnessing reduced water output during failed monsoons in 2023. 

The news item alleges that encroachments on vital water bodies along national highways further compound the issue, obstructing underground water channels and exacerbating topsoil erosion, violation of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) aggravates the problem, leading to destruction of wetlands crucial for sustaining river ecosystems and urban water supply.  

The above matter indicated Bench violation of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, Coastal Regulation Zone and Environment Protection Act, 1986.  

The news item raises substantial issue relating to compliance of the environmental norms and implementation of the provisions of scheduled enactment.  

“Power of the Tribunal to take up the matter in suo-motu exercise of power has been recognized by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the matter of “Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs. Ankita Sinha & Ors.” reported in 2021 SCC Online SC 897.”

Hence, the Principal Bench of Justice Prakash Shrivastava , Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and Dr. A Senthil Vel  impleaded the following as respondents in the matter:

(i). Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, through its Member Secretary.

(ii). Central Pollution Control Board, through its Member Secretary.

(iii). National Coastal Zone Management Authority, through its Chairman. 

(iv). Deputy Commissioner/District Magistrate, Mangaluru. 

(v). Deputy Commissioner/District Magistrate, Bengaluru.

(vi). Deputy Commissioner/District Magistrate, Shivamogga.

The Bench issued notice to the Respondents. 

Since the matter relates to the Southern Zonal Bench, Chennai, therefore, the Bench transferred the matter to the  Southern Zonal Bench , for appropriate further action. Office is directed by the NGT to transfer the original record to the  Southern Zonal Bench  and the matter is listed on 09.07.2024.



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