NGT committee to visit Bharonjian village today

Sanjay Bumbroo

Tribune News Service

Mohali, March 14

The Pollution Monitoring Committee constituted by the National Green Tribunal and headed by Justice Jasbir Singh, a former Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, would visit Bharonjian and Kansal villages on Monday to inspect the remedial measures taken by the Punjab Government against the alleged change in the natural course of Siswan river.

Dr Babu Ram, the technical expert on the panel, has directed officials concerned to bring the record and papers relating to the matter along with the site plan to the spot. He also directed the senior-most officer representing the builder involved in the matter to be present at the site during inspection.

The NGT on February 24 had taken serious note of the fact that despite builder allegedly changing the natural course of Siswan river, the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) while granting environmental clearance (EC) failed to consider this aspect. "We appreciate the efforts of the Chief Secretary in the matter, the remedy provided does not adequately address the problem. Mere construction of a bridge may not be a solution in the circumstances. There is a need to further examine the matter with the assistance of an independent committee," the NGT said.

"Accordingly, without expressing final view at this stage, we request the committee headed by Justice Jasbir Singh, former Judge of Punjab and Haryana High Court, to look into the matter after undertaking a visit to the site and suggest remedial measures," the NGTadded.

"The committee may give its report preferably by April 30 and also upload it on PPCB website so that the parties/departments concerned and the Chief Secretary can access it for further action unless there are objections to the report, in which case the Tribunal will resolve the issue," the NGTadded.

Petitioner Harminder Singh of Bharonjian village, had submitted that the builder filled up the river course and raised construction on the river bed at Bharonjian and Kansal villages, resulting in irreversible damage to the environment.

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/30FQyYx