The polluter pays principle is a widely accepted tenet within broader guidelines for sustainable development. This was reaffirmed by the Supreme Court on Monday when it ordered Agra Nagar Nigam to pay environmental compensation of ₹58.39 cr for polluting the Yamuna with untreated sewage. This isn’t the first time a polluter or local government body has faced scrutiny. The National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) docket is filled with such cases.The court’s backing of the NGT’s April order, which documented the failure of existing sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Agra, is promising. NGT’s order had noted that among 90 drains, only 21 were fully tapped, while 8 were partially and 61 entirely untapped, resulting in untreated sewage flowing directly into the river. This ruling not only assigns responsibility for sewage and effluent treatment, but also can spark a long-overdue conversation about empowering municipal bodies to fulfil their duties. The order also shines a spotlight on water pollution. It’s not just air quality that’s critical for citizens’ health. Water is also diminishing the quality of life for many. As CJI D Y Chandrachud aptly stated, ‘[Civic authorities] have created a hell…. All rivers are getting polluted because of such indiscriminate discharge in rivers.’
Implementing plans to tackle water pollution from sewage and effluent discharge into rivers must become a priority for city and state administrations. For success, it’s crucial to empower municipal bodies and hold them accountable. Local governments operate at ground zero and must be involved in decision-making to design effective solutions and create mechanisms that deliver results. Municipal authorities must take ownership of both the problem and the solution. Otherwise, more such ‘hells’ will emerge.
Related posts:
Former Formula 1 Driver Nicholas Latifi Quits Racing To Pursue MBA
View: How many copies of one’s book must an author sign before he or she can earn an...
Sauber to Race in 2024, 2025 F1 Seasons as Stake Team
Opinion | Where Are the Big Ideas for New York City?
It’s the need of the hour to preclude ‘Islamist writers’ and Madhya Pradesh has done it in...
Opinion | Let States Split the Electoral College Votes
From 5G caused Covid to vaccine causes death
Ever since PM Modi took charge of the nation, caste-based reservation has decreased every....
New York Governor Says State's 5 Regions Can Begin Phased Reopening After May 15
Opinion | How to Deal With Social Security’s Rising Costs