Submit Vellalore dump yard report or face ₹10,000 fine: NGT to Coimbatore Corporation

NGT warns Coimbatore Corporation of ₹10,000 fine for failing to submit Vellalore dump yard report by February 5, 2025.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has warned the Coimbatore Corporation of a ₹10,000 fine if it fails to submit a detailed report and action plan on the Vellalore dump yard by February 5, 2025.

During its third hearing on Thursday, the tribunal criticised the civic body for failing to submit the report, despite being directed to do so three months ago. The case, taken up suo motu based on a report by The Hindu on April 7, 2024, had earlier mandated the Corporation to file a detailed report during the second hearing after previous submissions were found inadequate.

The Corporation had earlier prepared an action plan addressing issues at the Vellalore dump yard and stated that it would stop open dumping of fresh waste within six months. However, it failed to file this report with the tribunal, which drew sharp criticism.

“This delay appears to be a tactic by the Corporation to prolong the process and avoid accountability. Meanwhile, residents continue to suffer due to the unbearable stench and the ongoing dumping practices at the site,” said K.S. Mohan, secretary of the Kurichi-Vellalore Pollution Prevention Action Committee.

The next hearing will be held on February 5, 2025, and the tribunal has asked the civic body to submit the report by then.