Narmada pollution: NGT directs Dindori collector, NVDA vice chairman to appear before it

The National Green Tribunal has directed the Dhindori district collector, Narmada Valley Development Authority vice chairman and other authorities concerned, to appear before it in a matter regarding pollution of the river Narmada.

A bench of judicial member Justice Sudhir Agarwal and expert member Afroz Ahmad in a recent order said, “It is not disputed that continuously untreated municipal sewage is being discharged in river Narmada causing pollution.” The violators have also committed an offence under provision of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, it said. .

The bench said, “Before taking any strict action in the matter, including prosecution against the responsible officers, we find it appropriate to give an opportunity to all parties concerned.” .

“Therefore, we direct Vice Chairman, Narmada Valley Development Authority (NVDA), Bhopal; Chief Municipal Officer, Dindori; and Collector Dindori to appear before this tribunal on October 4,” it said.  The tribunal was hearing a petition filed by advocates Manan Agarwal and Samyak Jain against the untreated sewage entering the Narmada in Dindori district of Madhya Pradesh.