NGT forms 5-member panel for studying fish deaths in Phalguni river

Mangaluru: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) in New Delhi has reportedly formed a five-member committee to look into the fish deaths related to pollution in Dakshin Kannada’s Phalguni river.

The principal bench of NGT pointed out the prima facie evidence for untreated industrial effluents causing mass death of fish in the river. The bench noted the absence of any regulatory checks by the authorities concerned and said that this constituted a violation of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.

The committee members are tasked with finding the cause of death of large-scale fish deaths. It is expected to consult all stakeholders and collate information.

In its order, the NGT said that, based on the observations made by the committee, the statutory regulators may take remedial action, while following the due process of the law.

NGT is a specialized body equipped with the necessary expertise to handle environmental disputes involving multi-disciplinary issues. It has dedicated jurisdiction in environmental matters and provides speedy environmental justice.