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Judgment
This original application has been registered suo-motu on the basis of the news item titled "Chennai corporation issues notice to cattle farm after plaint over Adyar pollution" published in “The New Indian Express” dated 20.01.2024. The matter relates to the alleged discharge by the cattle farm directly into Adyar River in Chennai RA Puram. As per the said report a cattle farm functioning along the Adyar River bank in RA Puram was allegedly releasing farm waste directly into the waterbody, therefore, some action has been initiated against it. The news item also raises issue of creation of infrastructure by the government to run cattle farm and manner of discharge of waste from the cattle farm.
The news item raises substantial issue relating to compliance of environmental norms and implementation of the provisions of schedule enactment.
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.
We are of the opinion that the issue which has been raised relating to one particular cattle farm needs to be looked into by the Member Secretary, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB). Hence, we disposed of the present OA directing the Member Secretary, TNPCB to get the spot inspection done, ascertain the correct position and take appropriate remedial action and submit action taken report before the Registrar of the Southern Zonal Bench of the Tribunal, within whose territorial jurisdiction the issue falls. If found necessary the matter will be listed for further consideration before the Southern Zone Bench. Office is directed to transfer the original record of the OA to Southern Zonal Bench.
A copy of this order, along with a copy of the petition, be forwarded to the Member Secretary, TNPCB by e-mail for compliance.