NGT Flags Non-Compliance With Directions For Protection Of Wetlands In Tikamgarh; Directs Formation Of Task Force For Effective Protection
The National Green Tribunal has expressed displeasure at the failure of authorities to comply with its earlier directions for the protection and conservation of wetlands in Tikamgarh. The Tribunal observed that no sincere efforts had been made by the concerned authorities to implement the Wetland Rules, 2017, particularly in relation to the removal of encroachments, prevention of discharge of untreated water, and protection of wetland areas.
Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and Expert Member Sudhir Kumar Chaturvedi were hearing an original application raising issues of discharge of untreated water, dumping of solid waste, illegal encroachments and unauthorized agriculture in six wetlands in Tikamgarh. The Joint Committee constituted by the Tribunal had verified the allegations and found serious violations of the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.
The Tribunal noted that despite earlier directions requiring identification, demarcation and protection of wetlands, removal of encroachments, and prevention of discharge of untreated water, the action taken reports filed by the authorities failed to disclose crucial details such as the status of demarcation, the number of encroachments identified and removed, and concrete steps taken for conservation. It was also observed that untreated water continued to be discharged into the wetlands and solid waste dumping persisted, particularly in Mahendra Sagar and Shell Sagar.
The Tribunal further observed that although a committee had been constituted by the Collector, there was no indication of any effective action taken for the removal of encroachments or stopping the discharge of untreated water. During the hearing, even the Chief Municipal Officer was unable to provide complete details regarding compliance with the Tribunal's directions.
Expressing its displeasure, the Tribunal held that the authorities, including the Collector, Water Resource Department and Municipal Council, had failed in their duties to conserve and protect the wetlands under their control in accordance with the Wetland Rules, 2017 and the directions issued earlier.
“The Tribunal shows its displeasure as regards the non-compliance of the various directions issued earlier for protection and conservation of wetlands. It is the prime duty of authorities concerned to ensure conservation and protection of these wetlands from encroachments, illegal dumping of the waste and unauthorized discharge of untreated water,” the Tribunal observed.
In view of the continued non-compliance, the Tribunal issued various directions, including the direction to constitute a Special Task Force for monitoring and effective protection of the wetlands to prevent further encroachments and dumping of waste.
Accordingly, the Tribunal directed strict compliance with its earlier directions, the constitution of a Special Task Force, and submission of detailed compliance reports by the concerned authorities, while listing the matter for further hearing.
Case Title: Sobran Yadav Vs. State of Madhya Pradesh & Ors. [Original Application No.54/2025(CZ)]