Chhattisgarh HC Initiates Suo-Moto PIL Over Dumping Of Garbage Around Rs. 2 Crore Oxygen Zone In Bilaspur, Seeks Municipal Corp's Response

The Chhattisgarh High Court yesterday took suo-moto cognizance of a news article published in a local daily highlighting the alleged failure of the Bilaspur Municipal Corporation in maintaining the Oxygen Zone built at the cost of Rs.2 crores on two and a half acres of land in Bilaspur's Vyapar Vihar.

The bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru expressed concerns about garbage dumping in the Oxygen Zone which was meant to provide a clean environment.

The News Paper report stated that due to garbage dumping by the municipal corporation nearly 600 plants dried up, making entire oxygen Zone unfit for people.

The Municipal Corporation Counsel submitted photographs depicting that the area in question where the garbage was found has been cleaned.

Following this, the bench directed the Municipal Corporation to submit an affidavit stating the steps taken for cleaning of the area.

“Considering the aforesaid fact, respondent No.6/Municipal Corporation, Bilaspur is directed to file his personal affidavit in the matter regarding the steps which have been taken by him for cleaning of the area in question along with photographs.”

The matter is next listed on Nov. 13, 2024.

Case Title: IN THE MATTER OF SUO MOTO PUBLIC INTEREST LITIGATION versus STATE OF CHHATTISGARH, WPPIL No. 90 of 2024

Click here to read/download the order