The National Green Tribunal (NGT), in response to a news item published by 'One India' on October 25, 2023, titled 'Vegetables Across Bengaluru Contaminated with Heavy Metals, Warns Study,' took suo-motu cognizance in the matter and registered and application. The Principal Bench of NGT, New Delhi, heard the case on November 21, 2023, with the bench comprising Hon’ble Mr. Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson) and Hon’ble Dr. A. Senthil Vel (Expert Member).
The news item reported findings from a study conducted by the Environment Managemental and Policy Research Institute (EMPRI), revealing contamination in vegetables cultivated in Bengaluru. The study analyzed 400 samples of 10 different vegetables, detecting levels of contamination exceeding permissible limits set by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). The vegetables grown with wastewater showed the presence of heavy metals, including iron, cadmium, and nickel, surpassing safety thresholds. The consumption of such vegetables poses severe health risks.
Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) responded by submitting a brief report on EMPRI's findings, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive investigation at the state level to understand the extent of contamination.
The NGT noted that the "power of the tribunal to take up the matter in suo-motu exercise of power has been recognized by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the matter of Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs. Ankita Sinha & Ors.”
Recognising the seriousness of the environmental issue and the tribunal's suo-motu powers, the NGT decided to implead the Central Pollution Control Board, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, and Environmental Management and Policy Research Institute as respondents. The tribunal directed the respondent to examine the EMPRI report, ascertain the ground situation, and submit a factual action taken report. Additionally, it ordered the collection and analysis of vegetable samples in the Central Laboratory of CPCB, Delhi.
The NGT, considering the Southern Zone Bench, Chennai, as the appropriate jurisdiction, transferred the case to the Southern Zone Bench. The next hearing is scheduled for January 10, 2024, before the Southern Zone Bench, Chennai.
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