NGT tells CIL to deposit Rs 10 cr bank guarantee in green norm

State-owned miner Coal India Ltd has been directed to deposit a bank guarantee of Rs 10 crore by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which is hearing a case against it for allegedly violating environmental norms in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
While hearing the case filed by NGO Prayatna, the NGT on Friday directed the CIL to submit bank guarantee of Rs 10 crore before the Member Secretary, Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board, here, within ten days.
"In case we find that compliances are not being carried out for removing the deficiency as pointed out in the inspection report, this amount will be liable to be forfeited and bank guarantee encashed," said the order issued by the NGT's Central Zonal Bench in Bhopal.

Earlier, the Tribunal had served a show cause notice to the CIL for alleged violation of green norms for its coal mines in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
An inspection carried out in May had also allegedly pointed out deficiencies on part of CIL in complying with the environmental norms.
The court while hearing the matter observed that the counsel appearing for the CIL "instead of submitting the compliance in pursuance of the shortcomings pointed out in the inspection report is seeking time though the inspections were carried out on May 23, 2015".

"We are constrained to observe that the respondents are taking the matter very lightly," the Bench observed.

Prayatna's Secretary Ajay Dubey had complained that CIL and other companies involved in mining in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh were violating environmental laws.
"There is a need to ensure strict vigil on these companies so that they adhere to all the environmental pollution-related laws," he said.
The Tribunal has posted the matter for further hearing on October 8.