NGT rap for chief secy, rlys over Jheel conservation status
Times of India | 8 February 2024
Kolkata: The NGT bench of Justice B Amit Sthalekar and Arun Kumar Verma expressed dissatisfaction with the state chief secretary’s handling of matters regarding Santragchhi Jheel conservation.
The bench criticised the chief secretary for failing to gather accurate information from relevant departments, including railways. The NGT bench highlighted that conflicting statements and lack of accountability among stakeholders prompted the formation of a committee, chaired by the chief secretary. But, the bench said, it found the chief secretary’s affidavit filed on Feb 3 lacking in providing updated info on the current status of conservation efforts.
The tribunal directed the chief secretary to submit a fresh affidavit within two weeks, focusing on the conservation’s current status. The bench also expressed disappointment with the railways’ legal counsel, who, it said, failed to thoroughly review the affidavit before the hearing.
Petitioner Subhas Datta criticized the lack of tangible progress in conserving Santragachhi Jheel, saying the work had stagnated for seven years. He lamented the absence of measures beyond meetings and bureaucratic procedures, terming them as mere paperwork without real action.
The NGT’s scrutiny extended to the decisions made during the committee meeting on Nov 1, 2023. The meeting outlined various actions, including the provision of technical guidance, fund allocation and waste management. The tribunal expressed concern over the lack of follow-up on these decisions, especially those that were part of the railways’ responsibilities.
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