The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Tuesday rapped the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) for its continued absence in various cases, causing their adjournment, and warned it of “coercive orders” if such attitude continued.
In another case, the NGT directed the Assam Government to put barriers, speed cameras and challan rash vehicles to regulate traffic on a stretch of National Highway 37 passing through the Kaziranga National Park to prevent killing of wild animals. A bench, headed by NGT chairperson Swatanter Kumar, expressed its displeasure for being forced to adjourn various cases due to the absence of any counsel representing MoEF despite prior notice.
“It has been noticed by the Tribunal that in a number of cases, nobody is representing MoEF despite the fact that they have been served (notice) and/or they have already appeared through counsel before the Tribunal in other cases. “This state of affairs cannot go on indefinitely. We have adjourned cases for non-appearance of counsel on behalf of MoEF in the interest of justice. Now, however, we would be compelled to pass appropriate orders if such attitude on part of MoEF continues,” the bench said.
In the other case, a bench, headed by NGT chairperson, questioned the regulatory mechanism of wild animals while crossing NH 37, near Kaziranga in Assam. “We are sure nothing has been done,” the bench said. “We want barrier points to be fixed, speed cameras to be installed by next date of hearing and challans (of vehicles) be done and show how are you (Assam) trying to protect animals from entering the most vulnerable area of the 20.5 km road passing through the national park,” directed the bench.
It passed the order after the state government placed a proposal before it to regulate traffic on the stretch. It contended, “The State government is completely insignificant. The MoEF can take charge of the issue and consult the Wildlife Board.” During the hearing, the bench, however, asked the state government to show what steps it has taken to address the issue. When the state said it has put signages on the stretch, the bench remarked, “You want animals to read signage”IJ
“Fixing barriers, cameras and challaning vehicles doesn’t need a 30-page report,” the bench remarked. It also said “the suggestions made (by the state) can hardly be considered in the absence of MoEF which is a necessary party”.