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Judgment
This original application is registered suo motu on the basis of the news item titled "Neglect of lakes led to city’s parched scenes say experts" appearing in the ‘Bangalore Mirror’ dated 02.03.2024.
The news item relates to the water crisis in the city of Bengaluru, Karnataka. As per the article, Bengaluru is facing an unprecedented water crisis with 257 potential water-stressed areas identified by Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB). Plummeting reservoir levels, increased bore well drilling in the CBD, and encroachment on hundreds of lakes exacerbate the situation. Years of neglect, below-average rainfall, and higher temperatures contribute to the crisis. The article states that the neglect of water bodies and unscientific lake rejuvenation has severely impacted water-holding capacity, groundwater recharge, and flood mitigation. Encroachment and untreated sewage further deteriorate the situation, leading to reduced water availability and disrupted ecological balance.
The news item raises substantial issue relating to compliance of the 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:
(1). Karnataka Tank Conservation & Development Authority, through its Chief Executive Officer, Development Authority, Ground Floor, Beeja Bhavan, Bellary Road, Hebbal, Bengaluru - 560024.
(2). Central Pollution Control Board, through its Member Secretary, Parivesh Bhawan, East Arjun Nagar, Delhi-110032.
(3). Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, through its Member Secretary, Parisara Bhavana No. 49, Church Street, Bengaluru – 560001.
(4). District Commissioner & District Magistrate, Bengaluru, Kempegowda Road, Behind Kandaya Bhavana, Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru – 560009.
Issue notice to the above respondents for filing their response before the appropriate Bench of the Tribunal at least one week before the next date of hearing.
Since the matter falls within the jurisdiction of Southern Zonal Bench of the Tribunal, therefore, the OA is transferred to the Southern Zonal Bench, Chennai for appropriate further action. Let the original record of the OA be transferred to Southern Zonal Bench, Chennai.
List before Southern Zonal Bench at Chennai on 12.07.2024.