NGT takes suo motu cognisance of environmental degradation of Nagpur's Futala Lake

IANS June 22, 2025 527 views

The NGT has stepped in to address the worsening condition of Nagpur's Futala Lake after a media report exposed its pollution and neglect. The tribunal noted weak enforcement by local authorities despite existing regulations. It has summoned responses from pollution control boards and the Nagpur Municipal Corporation. The case will now be heard by the NGT's Western Zone Bench in Pune.

"Despite efforts by Nagpur Municipal Corporation, enforcement remains weak, resulting in continued pollution" – NGT Order
New Delhi, Jun 22: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report highlighting the declining condition of Futala Lake in Maharashtra's Nagpur.

Key Points

1

NGT registers case after media highlights lake's trash and hygiene issues

2

Tribunal cites violations of environmental protection laws

3

Impleads pollution boards and Nagpur civic body

4

Lists matter for hearing in Pune on August 6

A bench, headed by judicial member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi, registered an original application suo motu (on its own) following a news item titled "Futala Lake’s charm fades amid neglect and poor maintenance".

Referring to the news article, the Bench, also comprising expert member A. Senthil Vel, noted that the lake, once a popular spot for locals, now faces hygiene issues and environmental degradation due to neglect and poor maintenance.

The news item also highlighted that the absence of functional public toilets has led visitors to resort to unhygienic alternatives, and the lake’s shore is covered with trash like flower garlands and plastic bags, causing a foul smell.

"[D]espite efforts by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) to prevent the immersion of idols and religious offerings, enforcement remains weak, resulting in continued pollution,” noted the NGT in its order passed on June 5.

The green body said the matter highlighted in the news item attracted the provisions of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Municipal Solid Waste Rules, 2016.

Saying that the power of the NGT to take up the matter suo motu has been recognised by the Supreme Court, the Justice Tyagi-led Bench impleaded the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and the Nagpur Municipal Corporation as respondent parties to the matter.

"Let notices be issued to the respondents for filing their response/reply by way of affidavit," ordered the green tribunal, transferring the matter for further hearing on August 6 before the Western Zone Bench.

It said that since the place of accrual of the cause of action lies within the jurisdiction of the Pune’s Western Zone Bench, the case should be further heard there.

"Accordingly, the Registry is directed to list the matter before the Western Zone Bench of this Tribunal at Pune on 06.08.2025 after obtaining orders from Hon’ble the Chairperson for transfer of the case, if so required," the NGT ordered.

It added that responses may be filed by the authorities before the Western Zone Bench of the green tribunal at least one week before the next date of hearing.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Finally some action! Futala Lake was such a beautiful spot when I visited as a child. Sad to see it deteriorate like this. The NGT stepping in is much needed - our municipal corporations clearly aren't doing enough. Hope they impose strict penalties.
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Priya M.
Why wait for NGT to intervene? Nagpur citizens should take responsibility too. Throwing garbage and flowers in the lake is unacceptable. We need more public awareness campaigns along with strict enforcement. 😔
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Amit S.
Good move by NGT but I'm skeptical. Same story everywhere - authorities wake up only when courts intervene, then it's back to business as usual after some temporary measures. Need permanent solutions with public participation.
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Neha T.
The lack of functional toilets is shameful! How can we expect tourists and locals to maintain cleanliness when basic facilities are missing? NMC should be held accountable for this gross negligence. #SwachhBharat
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Sanjay P.
While I appreciate NGT's action, we need to find a balance between environmental protection and religious sentiments. Instead of just banning idol immersion, why not create proper designated areas with filtration systems?
M
Meena R.
This lake is Nagpur's pride! 🌊 The authorities must implement proper waste management, regular cleaning drives, and install CCTV to catch litterers. Citizens should form volunteer groups to protect our natural heritage. Enough of blaming - time for action!

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Tags:
NGT Futala Lake Nagpur pollution Maharashtra environment Water Pollution Act Nagpur Municipal Corporation