NGT bans plastic items in towns located along banks of Ganga

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed complete blanket ban on use, sale, purchase and storage of plastic items such as carry bags, plates and spoons in towns of Haridwar and Rishikesh till upper areas of Uttarkashi along the Ganga River in Uttarakhand.
The move was taken to tackle and prevent pollution of the Ganga. The green panel order comes while it was hearing a plea of environmentalist MC Mehta.

Key Facts

The NGT also imposed Rs 5,000 fine on those violating order and also held that action will be taken against erring officials too. It passed the direction after noting that despite its earlier order, plastic was being used in these areas causing pollution to the hoy river.

National Green Tribunal (NGT)

NGT was established in 2010 under National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources. It specialises in adjudicating on matters relating to environment, forests and harm to people or property due to neglect of environmental obligations of infrastructure projects.
NGT is guided by principles of natural justice and not bound by procedure laid down under Code of Civil Procedure (CrCP), 1908. It is mandated to make and endeavour for disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of filing. New Delhi is Principal Place of Sitting NGT. Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai are other regional sitting of Tribunal.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2017