Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 13
The Eastern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in Kolkata has directed the Central Pollution Control Board, Nagaland Pollution Control Board, Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, and the Deputy Commissioner of Wokha to file counter-affidavits within four weeks regarding the accumulation of plastic waste in the Doyang Dam.
The Tribunal issued notices and directions to the respondents on September 9 after taking suo motu cognizance of a news report highlighting the alarming accumulation of plastic waste in the Doyang Dam in Nagaland.
The Tribunal registered the case, Original Application No. 156/2024/EZ, suo motu, following a news item published in Nagaland Tribune on June 2, 2024, titled "Plastic waste deposits in Doyang Dam to adversely impact humans and wildlife."
The NGT Principal Bench in New Delhi addressed the issue on July 8, citing violations of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. As the case relates to Eastern India, it was transferred to the Eastern Zonal Bench for further action, with a hearing scheduled for September 9.
It is important to note that following viral videos and news reports of the waste accumulation, a ‘Clean Doyang Mission’ was launched at the reservoir on June 8 with the participation of various departments, organizations, and other stakeholders. The mission concluded on June 12 and was deemed a "successful mission" by officials.
