NGT pulls up Corpn, PWD for failure to check dumping at Marina

Pulling up Chennai Corporation and Public Works Department for their failure to prevent dumping of debris at Marina beach, the Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal warned them of stern action and directed them to submit a report on steps taken to clear it.
The Bench, comprising Judicial Member Justice M Chokkalingam and Expert member Prof R Nagendran said it could not remain a passive spectator and asked the officials present, "Is the corporation functioning?"
The matter pertains to a petition filed by one Saravanan on the basis of a report in an English daily on dumping of construction debris near Pattinapakkam Beach.

Citing the previous hearing of the petition, taken up by the tribunal 15 months back, the tribunal said the act of the authorities was "utter callousness."
When the authorities submitted that dumping was done at night, tribunal member Prof Nagendran asked whose job it was to clear the debris. "Do you feel the tribunal has to send it's officials to stop this?"
The Tribunal directed the officials of both departments to report the steps taken by them to prevent illegal dumping and posted the matter for further hearing for September 18.