NGT Orders The Constitution Of Joint Committee To Analyse The Damage To Riverine Ecology Due To Illegal Constructions On Floodplains Of Mahanadi River

The National Green Tribunal in an order dated 15.12.2020 constituted a Joint Committee to consider the effects of the proposed construction of new campus of SCB Medical College on the river beds and floodplain zones of river Mahanadi, Cuttack. A bench headed by Chairperson, Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel took note of the instances of irreversible damage to the "riverine ecology" caused due to the construction of the College and other permanent constructions and directed the Committee to consider the ill effects as well as to lay down adequate norms in ensuring that the construction takes place in accordance with the law. The Joint Committee will comprise of the representatives from the following: Central Water Commission Nominees of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Central Pollution Control Board National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee State Pollution Control Board BACKGROUND NGT in an earlier order dated 16.03.2020 sought a report from a Committee comprising of representatives of the State Water Department on the issue of illegal construction activities on Mahanadi river. The applicant in the response has stated that the said Medical College will reclaim 25 acres of land from the Mahanadi River and that the official twitter handles of District Administration show that it had already began the beautification of the Riverfront in the name of 'BARFI Project' wherein the sand which is being dredged from the river was filled in the river area close to embankment which in turn led to the elevation in height of the riverbed.