Kochi | The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken up the Brahmapuram waste treatment plant fire incident in Kerala and has placed the blame on the State Government for the issue. The NGT bench, headed by Justice AK Goyal, issued a stern warning, stating that if necessary, they will impose a fine of Rs 500 crore.
The fire caused massive air pollution in Ernakulam district for around two weeks and the NGT minced no words in a scathing criticism against the State Government.
The NGT bench took up the issue suo motu and held the Government responsible for the fire, the delay in putting it out, and the resultant threat to public health. The Kerala Government argued that the Kerala High Court had already initiated a suo motu case and the NGT case could be parallel and superfluous. However, the NGT bench disagreed with the Kerala Government's argument, promising that it would not issue orders that contradicted those of the HC.
The NGT has also agreed to review the report filed by the State Government over the fire incident. The counsel appearing for the State Government stated the steps taken to douse the fire and made it clear that the fire is almost put out. However, it took around 12 days to put off the fire, and by that time, the toxic fume had spread over even to the neighbouring districts.
The NGT's decision to take up the issue and its stern warning to the State Government highlight the seriousness of the matter. The Government's negligence and delay in putting out the fire have caused significant damage to public health and the environment according to the initial information. The NGT's review of the incident and its decision to hold the Government accountable sends a clear message that such incidents will not be taken lightly, and those responsible will be held accountable.
