NGT Directs CPCB To Send Representative To ISCKON, Mathura; MoEF To Develop An Institutional Mechanism And Submit Periodic Reports [Read Orders]

The National Green Tribunal, Principal Bench at New Delhi last week directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to send a representative to the under construction 70 storey Chandrodaya Temple at ISCKON, Mathura within one month. The representative may give his report for the steps necessary of the purpose. It was further held that such report must be acted upon, subject to any objections against the same.

The NGT bench comprising of Hon’ble Mr. Justice A.K.Goel, Chairperson, Hon’ble Dr. Justice Jawad Rahim, Hon’ble Mr. Justice S.P. Wangdi and Hon’ble Dr. Nagin Nanda was hearing a petition filed by Manikesh Chaturvedi alleging a widespread violation of environmental norms particularly underground water depletion in the construction of the said Chandrodaya Temple. Previously on 12.07.2018, Advocate Namit Saxena appearing for the petitioner had argued that in garb of religious tourism an entire city was being developed by ISCKON and serious tampering with the environment was being done. The bench was pleased to issue notice to the respondents thereafter.

On 31.07.2018, after hearing Senior advocate GuruKrishna Kumar appearing for the Trust and Advocate Namit Saxena appearing for the petitioner, the bench further directed that the Trust managing/undertaking construction of Sri Vrindavan Chandra Mandir as a part of its social responsibility to undertake development of at least one Bio-diversity Park on the land parcel over and above the area which has been earmarked for the said project.

The bench also directed the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF) to develop an institutional mechanism for monitoring the conditions as stipulated in Environment and Forest clearances, preparation and submission of periodic reports in this regard. It was also held that if the applicant is aggrieved by the Environmental Clearance already granted or if there is any violation of any of the conditions subject to which the Environmental Clearance is granted, it is open to the applicant to take his remedy in accordance with law. We may also observe that irrespective of stand of the applicant, the project has to comply with all the environmental laws, avoiding any adverse impact on the ecology.