News item titled "Andhra Pradesh: Rise in foothall in eco-sensitive areas poses threat to biodiversity and wildlife" appearing in the New Indian Express dated 12.02.2024 Vs

This original application is registered suo-motu on the basis of the news item titled "Andhra Pradesh: Rise in foothall in eco-sensitive areas poses threat to biodiversity and wildlife" appearing in The New Indian Express dated 12.02.2024. The news item raises an issue relating to the risk imposed on biodiversity and the native wildlife of the eco-sensitive areas of Andhra Pradesh due to increased human footprint, evident in the form of litter and waste. The news item mentions that several hill stations, such as Paderu, Gudisa and segments of the Nallamalla forest region in Andhra Pradesh, have been compelled to shut their doors temporarily to address the mounting debris issue. The news item also contains the advice to the local authorities to enforce a ban on plastic within the protected area and stresses the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining cleanliness and minimizing garbage in these environments. It also suggests the proposal to establish the checkpoints to monitor the transportation of plastic in the hilly and reserved areas. It emphasizes on the plastic pollution and the efforts which are required to combat it. It also raises the issue of forest fire.

The news item involves substantial issue relating to compliance of environmental norms.

Power of the Tribunal to take up the matter suo-motu has been recognized by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the matter of “Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs. Ankita Sinha & Ors.” reported in 2021 SCC Online SC 897.

Hence, we implead the following as respondents in the matter:

(i) Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB), through its Member Secretary

(ii) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Regional Office (SEZ), Chennai

Let notice be issued to the above Respondents for filing their response before the appropriate bench of the Tribunal atleast one week before the next date of hearing.

Considering the issue raised in the matter, we also deem it proper to form a Joint Committee comprising of the Regional Officer, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF & CC), Chennai and the representative of Member Secretary, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), who will ascertain the current state of affairs in view of the facts reflected in the news item and submit the report before the Southern Zonal Bench of the Tribunal atleast one week before the next date of hearing.

Since the matter relates to the Southern Zonal Bench, Chennai, therefore, OA is transferred to the Southern Zonal Bench for appropriate further action. Office is directed to transfer the original record of the OA to Southern Zonal Bench, Chennai.

List before Southern Zonal Bench at Chennai on 10.05.2024.

A copy of this order, along with a copy of the petition, be forwarded to the Regional Officer, MoEF & CC, Chennai and Member Secretary, CPCB by e-mail for compliance.