Summary:
NEW DELHI/BENGALURU: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday imposed Rs 50 crore penalty on Karnataka for allegedly neglecting two lakes -- Bellandur and Varthur -- in the city's southeast suburb, said non-governmental organisation Namma Bengaluru Foundation (NBF) here. "The colossal neglect has caused immense harm to citizens and brunt of which will be borne by generations. There is no justification for such environmental loss," said the green tribunal.On the basis of various inquiry reports, including the Panjwani Committee, the Tribunal found the state government negligent in protecting its lakes and in keeping the storm water drains free from encroachment. "As water pollution is a criminal offence, measures have to be taken to control such pollution and close polluting units," said the Tribunal, adding that the officers charged with the duties are accountable for their failures.The watchdog also directed the state government to ensure no pollutant or waste is discharged into the water bodies, lakes and streams. "State of Karnataka will also undertake to pay Rs 100 crore if there is failure to implement the plan," said Foundation's senior counsel Sajan Poovayya, who appeared for the petitioners, including the Foundation (NBF).The lakes, about 20km from the city centre, are filled up with sewage, effluents, solid municipal waste, construction and demolition waste and weed, leaving no clean water in them..