Doyang Dam Plastic Issue: NGT for Wokha DC’s presence at next hearing

November 27, 2024 3 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 27

The Eastern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in Kolkata has directed the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Wokha to submit an explanation for the delay in filing a counter-affidavit concerning the plastic waste accumulation in the Doyang Dam.

The DC was also instructed to be present at the virtual proceedings on the next hearing date, scheduled for January 14, 2025.

The case was initiated suo motu by the NGT Principal Bench in New Delhi following a news report titled “Plastic waste deposits in Doyang Dam,” published on June 2, 2024. The case, citing violations of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, was transferred to the Eastern Bench as Nagaland falls under its jurisdiction.

During the last hearing on September 9, the Tribunal issued notices and directions to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Nagaland Pollution Control Board (NPCB), the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), and the Wokha DC to file counter-affidavits within four weeks regarding the issue.

At the hearing on November 21, both the CPCB and NPCB sought additional time to file their counter-affidavits. However, noting the absence of representation from the Wokha DC, the Bench issued the directions for the DC’s explanation and presence at the next hearing.

It must be noted that following viral videos and news reports on the waste accumulation, a ‘Clean Doyang Mission’ was launched at the reservoir on June 8 with the participation of various departments, organisations, and other stakeholders. The mission concluded on June 12 and was deemed a “successful mission” by officials.