National Green Tribunal Slaps Fine on Lucknow Authorities

The National Green Tribunal fined Lucknow officials Rs 5,000 each for failing to appear in a groundwater depletion case. The tribunal, led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, issued notices to the authorities but received no representation. The next proceedings are scheduled for December 20.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 each on the district magistrate of Lucknow, the Lucknow Nagar Nigam, and the Lucknow Development Authority. The fine is a result of their failure to appear before the tribunal in accordance with its directions.

The tribunal was addressing concerns about groundwater depletion in Uttar Pradesh's capital. The order, passed on September 4, was issued by a bench including NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, judicial member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi, and expert member A Senthil.

Despite notices, there was no representation from the three authorities. Consequently, the tribunal imposed the fines and stipulated that the amount be deposited within two weeks. Further proceedings on the matter have been scheduled for December 20.