Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding cleaning of Lower Bagjola Canal, West Bengal, 08/04/2024
Order of the National Green Tribunal (Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata) in the matter of Tribunal on its own Motion Re: Kestopur and Bagjola Canals Vs State of West Bengal & Others dated 08/04/2024.
The affidavit filed by the Irrigation and Waterways Department, West Bengal, February 13, 2024 mentioned that cleaning of floating debris is not the actual solution with regard to cleaning of the Lower Bagjola canal as there are encroachments on both sides of the canal. The sustainable approach is to collect garbage and liquid waste at source by proper solid and liquid waste management and stop its dumping into the canals. "There is no functional garbage collecting or liquid waste disposal by the Solid and Liquid Waste Management Department resulting in dumping of such waste into the canal," the court was informed.
The affidavit stated that the issue required coordinated effort by various agencies and the Irrigation and Waterways Department needed to carry out the role of excavation, canal cleaning, flushing of canal through tide water wherever possible to ensure smooth drainage. Considering that "there are various departments of the state government working at odds with each other resulting in each pointing a finger at the other with respect to responsibility," the NGT directed the Principal Secretary, Department of Environment, West Bengal to look into the matter directly and file affidavit stating what action has been taken for coordinated action by the various departments. The Principal Secretary would outline the remedial measures taken or to be taken and state the timelines within which the remedial action would be taken to its completion.