Has the NGT Raised Concerns About Air Pollution in Khara, Bikaner?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Jaipur, Feb 13 (NationPress) The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Central Zone Bench located in Bhopal, has taken suo motu cognisance of alarming air pollution levels in Khara village, situated in Bikaner district, Rajasthan. This action follows reports indicating that villagers are keeping their children away from school due to the hazardous air quality.
The directive was issued by Justice Sheo Kumar Singh (Judicial Member) and Sudhir Kumar Chaturvedi (Expert Member), bringing to light serious environmental and public health issues in the area.
In their order, the Tribunal has issued notices to the State of Rajasthan, the Rajasthan Pollution Control Board (RPCB), the District Education Officer, and the Principal Secretary (Environment). These authorities have been instructed to address the allegations and outline measures they have taken to combat pollution.
Furthermore, the NGT has mandated the establishment of a Joint Committee comprising representatives from the District Magistrate of Bikaner and the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board.
This committee is tasked with visiting Khara village, evaluating the pollution status, and submitting a thorough action-taken report within a span of six weeks. They have been instructed to ensure that all responses are filed in searchable PDF format within the stipulated timeframe, promoting transparency and record accessibility.
The case is scheduled for further hearing on April 15, 2026, when the Tribunal will review the committee's findings and the responses from the concerned authorities. This situation highlights the increasing worries regarding environmental degradation and its direct effects on public health, particularly concerning the health of children.
Officials believe that the Tribunal's intervention will compel state authorities to implement urgent measures aimed at enhancing air quality and protecting the residents of Khara village.