The National Green Tribunal today pulled up the environment ministry for not filing its final report on recommendations of two panels set up to study environmental sensitivity and ecological significance of the Western Ghats, saying better standards were expected from it.
A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar also imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on the ministry for failing to file the report despite being given four weeks time on August 30.
"We certainly expected better standards from the MoEF and compliance of directions issued by us. From beginning of April, this year, we have been going on with this process (of waiting for environment ministry's report). Since then you (MoEF) have not done anything. You had both reports with you since then," the bench said.
It also noted that several matters- related to Western Ghats and others- are pending before it as it was waiting for the stand of the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF).
The tribunal, meanwhile, directed the chief secretaries of Kerala, Karnataka, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, which are yet to file their views regarding the recommendations of the two panels, to submit their comments to the MoEF within two weeks.
If they fail to do so, not only would the MoEF be at liberty to "proceed in accordance with law and conclude its opinion" regarding the committees' recommendations, but the states at a later stage cannot contend that they were not consulted, the bench made it clear.
While imposing the costs on MoEF, the bench warned it that if the final report/opinion is not placed before it by the next date of hearing the Environment Secretary would be directed to appear before the tribunal and listed the matter on November 12.
