Punishment for laxity of corporation
Action should be taken against those responsible within 2 months
Must be submitted before the Chief Secretary within one month
New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal slapped a fine of Rs 100 crore on the Kochi Corporation after warning that it would be fined Rs 500 crore for negligence that led to the Brahmapuram fire. This is a punishment for the corporation’s long-standing neglect of the Brahmapuram plant. The fine is an environmental compensation. The fine must be paid before the Chief Secretary within one month. The amount should be earmarked for solving fire problems. The Chief Secretary should take action against those responsible within two months.
The order of the principal bench of tribunal chairman AK Goyal is a sharp criticism of the state government and the Kochi corporation. The government has seriously failed to take action when the fire broke out. Deadly levels of toxins have been detected in the air and in the surrounding marsh. Neither the government nor the corporation can shirk responsibility. The government has completely failed in implementing the solid waste regulations and following the Supreme Court order. No attempt is made to identify or take action against those responsible for the failure. No action was taken against any senior officer.
Action should be taken under Indian Penal Code or Environment Act. The chief secretary and police chief are expected to take action. A high-level investigation is needed. No one takes moral responsibility for a problem that harms the environment and public health.
Repeated falls
In 2018, the government was informed that Brahmapuram had failed to comply with solid waste management regulations. As there is a threat to public health, the measures to be taken were also informed. It was ordered to pay compensation as it was a repeated default. Not willing to implement the instructions or pay compensation.
If there is no stay
should be fined
If the corporation does not get a stay even after going to the Supreme Court, it will have to pay a fine. The amount shall be paid out of the general fund of the Corporation.
The Pollution Control Board can take action against the mayor, secretary, health standing committee members and officials.
Individuals can also file a case citing the serious situation of air and water pollution.
If no reply is received through the Pollution Control Board, a private complaint can be filed.
“The fine imposed will be dealt with legally. Action is taken without hearing our part. The decision is to approach the High Court or the Supreme Court.
– M. Anil Kumar,
Mayor of Kochi
