NEWS ITEM TITLED "FUTALA LAKE,S CHARM FADES AMID NEGLECT AND POOR MAINTENANCE APPEARING IN THE TIMES OF INDIA DATED 25.05.2025" vs

1 Item No.

05 BEFORE THE NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL PRINCIPAL BENCH, NEW DELHI (VACATION BENCH) Original Application No.

297/2025 In Re: News Item titled "Futala Lake’s charm fades amid neglect and poor maintenance appearing in ‘The Times of India’ dated 25.05.2025".

Date of hearing: 05.06.2025 CORAM: HON’BLE MR.

JUSTICE ARUN KUMAR TYAGI, JUDICIAL MEMBER HON’BLE DR.

A.

SENTHIL VEL, EXPERT MEMBER Applicant: Suo motu.

Respondents: None for the respondents.

ORDER 1.

This original application is registered suo-motu based on the news item titled "Futala Lake’s charm fades amid neglect and poor maintenance appearing in ‘The Times of India’ dated 25.05.2025.

2.

The news item relates to the declining condition of Futala Lake in Nagpur, which, as per the article, is suffering from neglect and poor maintenance.

As per the article, the lake, once a popular spot for locals, now faces hygiene issues and environmental degradation.

As per the article, the absence of functional public toilets has led visitors to resort to unhygienic alternatives.

The article states that the lake’s shore is covered with trash like flower garlands and plastic bags, which causes a foul smell.

As per the article, despite efforts by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) to prevent the immersion of idols and religious offerings, enforcement remains weak, resulting in continued pollution.

The article further states that the shoreline is highly polluted and poses serious environmental and health concerns.

The article also states that Futala 2 Lake is a vital part of Nagpur's cultural and recreational landscape, but the unchecked dumping of waste and lack of regular cleaning have made the area visibly polluted and uninviting.

3.

The above matter seems to attract the provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Municipal Solid Waste Rules, 2016.

4. , 2016.

4.

The power of the Tribunal to take up the matter suo-motu has been recognized by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the matter of “Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs.

Ankita Sinha &Ors.” reported in 2021 SCC Online SC 897.

5.

Hence, we implead the following as respondents in the matter: i.

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Through its Member Secretary, Parivesh Bhawan, East Arjun Nagar, Delhi-110032.

Phone: +91-11-43102030.

Email: [email protected]. ii.

Nagpur Municipal Corporation, Through its Commissioner, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Administrative Building, Nagpur, Municipal Corporation, Mahanagar Palika Marg, Civil Lines, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India, 440 001.

Phone: +91 712 2567035.

Email: [email protected]. iii.

Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), Through its Member Secretary, Kalpataru Point, 3rd and 4th floor, Opp.

PVR Theatre, Sion (E), Mumbai-400 022.

Phone: +91 22 2402 0203.

Email: [email protected].

6.

Let notices be issued to the respondents for filing their response/reply by way of affidavit.

3 7.

Even though in the present case cognizance has been taken by this Bench on the basis of above said news item with the approval and assignment under order of Hon’ble Chairperson, but in view of the facts and circumstances of the case including the fact that the place of accrual of cause of action lies within jurisdiction of the Western Zone Bench of this Tribunal at Pune we are of the considered view that it will be appropriate if the case is further heard by the Western Zone Bench of this Tribunal at Pune.

8.

Accordingly, the Registry is directed to list the matter before the Western Zone Bench of this Tribunal at Pune on 06.08.2025 after obtaining orders from Hon’ble the Chairperson for transfer of the case, if so required.

9.

Replies/ responses may be filed by the respondents before the Western Zone Bench of this Tribunal at Pune at least one week before the date of hearing fixed.

Arun Kumar Tyagi, JM Dr.

JM Dr.

Senthil Vel, EM June 05th, 2025 Original Application No.

297/2025 AB