NGT Expresses Displeasure at Delay in Forming Panel to Monitor Waterbody Restoration in Tamil Nadu

The Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has criticized Tamil Nadu authorities for failing to establish a permanent committee to oversee the restoration of water bodies, despite a year having passed since the directive was issued.

The Bench, which is addressing cases concerning lake encroachments including those in Vandalur, Ambattur, and Kovilambakkam, had directed the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary in August 2022 to create a committee involving various department secretaries to monitor waste management rules and lake restoration.

Despite the order, the committee has not been formed, leading the NGT to express its displeasure and warn of serious consequences if a response is not provided. The court was addressing a case prompted by a news report highlighting encroachments and degradation of Kovilambakkam Lake, reducing its size from 180 to 70 acres due to encroachment and misuse.