Aafrin Kidwai 
Picture Credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=380588
The National Green Tribunal has fined Nagaland ₹200 crores in environmental compensation for allegedly failing to manage solid and liquid waste.
“We levy a compensation of ₹200 crores on the State on the polluter pays principle for its failure in scientifically managing the liquid and solid waste in violation of the mandate of law, particularly judgements of the Supreme Court and this tribunal,” the NGT said.
The bench further stated that money can be maintained in ring-fenced accounts that will only be used in accordance with the chief secretary’s instructions for waste management in the state. The bench also recommended that ₹200 crores be used to build solid waste processing facilities, clean up legacy waste, and build sewage treatment plants (STPs) and FSSTPs to fill any gaps.
The repair plans must be carried out in unison, in a timely manner, in all regions, cities, towns, and villages. The Tribunal ordered that the Chief Secretary ensure compliance.
