Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, May 6: The New-Delhi based National Green Tribunal (NGT) has constituted a five-member joint committee to investigate death of fish and decrease pollution in Phalguni River in Dakshina Kannada.

The principal bench of the NGT pointed out that prima facie evidence seemed to point to industries in the area discharging untreated effluents into the river. In the absence of any regulatory checks by the authorities concerned, this constituted a violation of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the bench noted.

The bench said that the specific stretch of the River Phalguni may be treated as being polluted for the purpose of formulation and execution of a restoration plan.

The members are expected to interact with the stakeholders,and subsequently ascertain the exact reason that led to the death of fish in the river. Armed with this information, the panel is then expected to suggest suitable remedial measures to avert such an incident in the future.

If sources of pollution are identified, such establishments or places will be served a notice, demanding a response. In its order, the NGT stated that, based on the observations made by the committee, the statutory regulators may take remedial action, while following the due process of the law.

A report on the action taken to check pollution around the river is to be filed within two months, the order read.