National Green Tribunal
Balakrishnan R vs The District Collector on 16 April, 2025
Item No.01:-
BEFORE THE NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL
SOUTHERN ZONE, CHENNAI
Wednesday, the 16th day of April 2025.
[Through Physical Hearing (Hybrid Option)]
Original Application No.125 of 2021 (SZ) &
I.A. Nos.174/2022 & 18/2023 (SZ)
IN THE MATTER OF
R. Balakrishnan
S/o. Rangarajan,
No.269, Thillaiamman Nagar,
Lalpuram (Post), Chidambaram Taluk,
Cuddalore District - 608 602, Tamil Nadu.
...Applicant (s)
Versus
1. The District Collector
Cuddalore District,
Cuddalore.
2. The Sub Collector
Chidambaram,
Cuddalore.
3. The Tahsildar
Chidambaram Taluk,
Chidambaram,
Cuddalore District.
4. The Commissioner
Chidambaram Municipality,
Chidambaram - 608 001.
Cuddalore District.
5. The Executive Engineer
Public Works Department (WRO)
Chidambaram,
Cuddalore District.
6. The District Environmental Engineer
Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board,
Plot No.A-3, SIPCOT Industrial Complex,
Cudikadu, Cuddalore,
Cuddalore District - 607 005.
7. The Executive Engineer
Tamil Nadu Water & Drainage Board,
Cuddalore, Cuddalore District.
8. The Block Development Officer
Kumaratchi Panchayat Union,
Kumaratchi, Chidambaram Taluk,
Cuddalore District - 608 302.
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9. The Commissioner
Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowment Department,
No.119, Uthamar Gandhi Road,
Nungambakkam,
Chennai - 600 034.
10. The Block Development Officer
Parangipettai Panchayat Union,
Chidambaram Taluk,
Cuddalore District.
(R9 & R10 were impleaded as per Order
dt.28.10.2021 in I.A. No.157 of 2021 (SZ))
...Respondent(s)
For Applicant (s): M/s. S. Kolandasamy & C.S. Saravanan.
For Respondent(s): Dr. D. Shanmuganathan for R1 to R3, R5, R8 to R10.
Mr. P. Srinivas for R4.
Mr. S. Sai Sathya Jith for R6.
Judgment Reserved on: 27th March, 2025.
CORAM:
HON'BLE Smt. JUSTICE PUSHPA SATHYANARAYANA, JUDICIAL MEMBER
HON'BLE Dr. SATYAGOPAL KORLAPATI, EXPERT MEMBER
JUDGEMENT
Delivered by Smt. Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana, Judicial Member
1. The above Original Application has been filed by the applicant, who is a devotee of Chidambaram Natarajar Temple and Secretary of the Hindu Temple Protection Force, to address encroachments and pollution affecting three historically significant waterbodies viz., Nagacheri Theerthavari Kulam, Omakulam, and Gnanaprakasam Theppakkulam in Chidambaram.
2. It is alleged in the application that the waterbodies mentioned above, vital for temple festivals and groundwater conservation, have been polluted by untreated sewage, solid waste, and encroachments. Despite partial eviction efforts by Chidambaram Municipality in 2019, some encroachments persist, Page 2 of 15 including those discharging tannery effluent and domestic sewage into canals feeding these ponds. Additionally, waterbodies like Thatchan Kulam, Aayi Kulam, and Karaikuttai are also contaminated due to encroachments and waste dumping.
3. The applicant highlights disruptions at the municipal Effluent Treatment Plant that exacerbate pollution.
4. Hence, the applicant is seeking direction to the respondent authorities to evict encroachments, prevent further pollution, restore the waterbodies, and impose environmental compensation on violators to enable the revival of temple festivals like Theppotsavam.
5. While admitting the matter, this Tribunal constituted a Joint Committee comprising of (i) Sub Collector - Chidambaram District, (ii) Commissioner - Chidambaram Municipality, (iii) Executive Engineer - Public Works Department, Chidambaram,
(iv) a Senior Officer from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) and (v) Executive Engineer - Tamil Nadu Water & Drainage (TWAD) Board. The Commissioner - Chidambaram Municipality was designated as the nodal agency, with specific queries and directions to submit a report of the Joint Committee.
6. Upon notice, the respondents have entered appearance through their counsels and filed their respective pleadings.
7. The Joint Committee filed its report on 16.03.2022, addressing key issues. Solid Waste Management in Chidambaram Municipality, a Selection Grade Municipality in Cuddalore District, involves managing 18 MT/day of waste for 66,250 residents (2021). Waste collection is handled by 43 municipal workers, 152 outsourced workers, and various vehicles, with wet waste processed at Micro and Onsite Composting Centers, recyclable waste sold, and non-recyclable waste sent to Ariyalur Cement Industries. Hazardous waste, including sanitary and e-waste, is separately collected, with awareness programs promoting source segregation. Encroachments and Untreated Sewage Discharge were addressed, with encroachments cleared from Omakulam (94), Nagachery Kulam (71), and Page 3 of 15 Gnanaprakasam Kulam (62). Another 520 encroachments were identified, with eviction notices underway. Untreated sewage discharge was found in 403 houses, including 172 on encroached or temple lands lacking UGS connections, with 38 houses connected so far and full compliance targeted by 30.09.2021. Restoration of Gnanaprakasam Tank for Theppotsavam included desilting, bund formation, afforestation, and fencing by the Environmentalist Foundation of India (EFI). Encroachments (96 structures) were removed, and notices were issued to 22 houses discharging grey water, with UGS connections being facilitated. Reconstruction of the Theppotsavam Mandapam remains pending with temple authorities. Nature & Removal of Encroachments identified 520 structures, including thatched houses, concrete structures, toilets, and compound walls in ponds and water channels. Evictions were delayed due to COVID-19 and the stay granted by the Hon'ble High Court of Madras in W.P. No. 11993/2021, with action set to resume after judicial clearance. Compliance with NGT Directions (O.A. No. 606/2018) was confirmed, with solid waste management meeting prescribed norms through decentralized composting, segregation, and scientific disposal. Biomining at Chidambaram's 4.48-Acre dump yard reclaimed 3 Acres in Phase I (52,000 m³), with a Phase II proposal (Rs.280 lakh) submitted. Liquid waste management improved with a new UGSS, benefiting 6,312 households, while efforts continue to interlink old and new sewer systems to prevent open drain discharge.
8. The District Collector - Cuddalore District (Respondent No.1) has filed various reports periodically, and the key points of each report are outlined as follows:-
8.1 Report filed on 04.09.2021:- Chidambaram Municipality is addressing sewage disposal and encroachments per NGT directions. Notices were issued to 25,048 households to prevent sewage discharge into Vappusavadi Odai. Eviction notices were served in Pulichamedu and other areas.
Rs.16.70 Crore aerobic sewage treatment proposal was submitted. The UGSS, completed in 2020 at Rs.75.62 crore, treats 5.20 MLD of sewage. PWD is removing encroachments along the Khan Sahib Canal and ensuring treatment before Page 4 of 15 discharge. TNPCB mandates sewage treatment plants for village panchayats and stricter solid waste management. Eviction notices for 225 encroachments were issued, with 94 households connected to a new drainage system.
8.2 Report filed on 27.04.2022:- Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, are enforced with daily collection by 195 workers using 62 vehicles. Biodegradable waste is composted, recyclables sold, and non-recyclables safely disposed of. UGSS, operational since May 2020, has 6,836 household connections. Lalpuram STP meets TNPCB norms. Notices were served to 403 households discharging untreated sewage, with 180 properties connected. Encroachments are being removed, with 19 houses evicted.
8.3 Report filed on 02.11.2022:- Encroachments in Usupur Village, Kumaratchi Union, and Chidambaram were removed per NGT's 13.10.2022 order. UGSS in Cuddalore covers 148.7 km with a 6 MLD STP at Devanampattinam. A Rs.185.30 crore Phase II project is pending approval. UGSS in Chidambaram (2020) covers 10,000 connections, preventing open sewage discharge. Three new pumping stations at Lalpuram ensure compliance with TNPCB norms. TWAD Board oversees operations with TNPCB monitoring.
8.4 Report filed on 08.02.2023:- An enquiry on Alang Kulam's reclassification confirmed 37 pattas issued in 2000. Of 59 families, five encroachments were identified for removal, and Form-1 notices were issued. In Palaman Vaikal, 128 encroachments were partially cleared, with seven pending. Encroachments in Periya Anna Kulam, Chinna Anna Kulam, and Karai Kuttai Kulam were fully removed in March 2022.
8.5 Report filed on 25.07.2023:- Encroachments in Parameswaranallur Village (Survey No. 129) were cleared. The site, with 37 pattas granted in 2001, grew to 59 houses. Five encroachments on a pond (Survey No. 129/9) were removed on 24.04.2023. Joint inspections confirmed inlet and outlet channels remain un-encroached.
Page 5 of 158.6 Report filed on 15.03.2024:- An inquiry confirmed that four petitioners (S.No. 1, 19, 20, 21) were ineligible for free house site pattas due to property ownership or encroachments. The remaining 17 petitioners were confirmed as coolie workers and eligible for pattas. The Tahsildar was directed to identify an alternate site. The NGT's order dated 30.08.2024 directed the expedited eviction of 17 encroachers and relocation of 36 patta holders. Alternate land was identified at Periyapattu Village, Bhuvanagiri Taluk, and necessary reclassification processes were initiated.
8.7 Report filed on 10.12.2024:- NGT ordered the eviction of encroachments in Parameshwaranallur Village, Alangulam (S.No. 129). An eviction notice was issued on 21.08.2023, but it was challenged before the Hon'ble High Court of Madras in W.P. No. 25474 & 25478 of 2023. The NGT's Order dated 30.08.2024 directed the eviction of 17 encroachers and clearance of others from the watercourse poramboke. An alternate land of 22.02.00-Hectare was identified in Periyapattu Village. The eviction of three ineligible encroachers was completed on 09.02.2025, while 55 others requested time for relocation. Authorities seek a one-month extension for peaceful eviction.
8.8 Report filed on 12.02.2025:- Of 67 encroachers (37 with pattas, 30 new), three were ineligible for alternate sites. Alternate land was assigned in Thandavarayan Chozhaganpettai Village. Pattas of 37 holders were cancelled on 07.02.2025, and Form-7 notices were issued. Three ineligible encroachers challenged their status in W.P. No. 29537, 29541 & 29545 of 2024, but their plea was dismissed, leading to eviction on 09.02.2025. Evictees requested relocation time, and authorities sought a one-month extension.
9. The Commissioner - Chidambaram Municipality, who is the 4th Respondent, filed three reports, and the core findings of each report are stated below:-
Page 6 of 159.1 Report filed on 01.09.2021:- Chidambaram Municipality enforces Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, with daily waste collection using 21 BOVs and 7 LCVs. Biodegradable waste is processed at four MCCs, recyclable waste is sold, and non-recyclable waste is sent to Ariyalur Cement Industries. 227 encroachments were removed from major water bodies, and further removal is ongoing. Of 403 houses discharging sewage, 56 have been connected to UGSS, with the rest to be completed by 30.09.2021. 52,000 m³ of legacy waste has been cleared, reclaiming three acres, where 650 trees have been planted. The UGSS, operational since 2020, has connected 6,312 households, and sewage is treated per Pollution Control Board norms. The Municipality complies with NGT directives in O.A. No. 606 of 2018.
9.2 Report filed on 04.09.2021:- 227 encroachments were removed, stopping sewage discharge, while 225 remain, with eviction notices issued. 403 houses were identified for illegal sewage discharge; 94 houses have been connected to UGSS, 7 houses do not have toilet facility and not connected to the UGS System, and 170 houses on Govt. poramboke land cannot be connected. The remaining 130 houses will be connected within 15 days.
9.3 Report filed on 08.07.2022:- Chidambaram Municipality handles 18 MT/day of waste via collection, composting, and recycling. Hazardous and e-waste are collected separately, and non-recyclable waste is sent to cement industries. The UGSS, operational since 2020, has connected 6,836 of 10,000 houses, with the full transition expected by 15.07.2022.
Sewage overflows in 16 locations were plugged, and discharge is monitored. Of 403 houses discharging sewage, 19 encroachments were evicted, and efforts continue to connect the remaining houses. The Municipality seeks closure of O.A. No. 125 of 2021, stating near-complete compliance.
10. The Public Works Department (PWD)/ Respondent No.5 filed reports, and the main highlights of each report are detailed as follows:-
Page 7 of 1510.1 Report filed on 02.09.2021:- The Executive Engineer, PWD/WRD, Coleroon Basin Division, reported on the Khan Sahib Canal, a 5 km water body in Chidambaram. The canal is regularly maintained, with major cleaning done in November 2020. In 2018, 94 encroachments were identified, and eviction proceedings began by obtaining Form-I from the Tahsildar and displaying Form-II in public offices. On 21.10.2021, Form-III notices were issued, but encroachers resisted, stating their intent to approach the court. Despite this, eviction efforts continue. A letter was sent to the Municipal Commissioner on 18.06.2021, directing that sewage must be treated before discharge into the canal.
10.2 Report filed on 27.11.2021:- The Khan Sahib Canal is regularly maintained, with floating plants and obstructions removed, particularly during the rainy season. In November 2020, floating machinery was used to clear silt and water hyacinth. 94 encroachments, identified in 2018, were addressed through the issuance of Form-I, Form-II, and Form-III notices on 21.10.2021, but resistance was encountered. A letter on 18.06.2021 instructed the Municipal Commissioner to ensure sewage treatment before discharge into the canal.
11. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), which is the 6th Respondent, filed reports thrice and the essential aspects of each report are summarized below:-
11.1 Report filed on 04.09.2021:- The DEE, TNPCB inspected sewage discharge in village Panchayats and found untreated sewage flowing into water bodies, no solid waste processing, and illegal waste burning. Recommended actions of the TNPCB are (i) Chidambaram Municipality must direct all sewage to Lalpuram STP as per TNPCB guidelines, (ii) Village Panchayats must install sewage treatment plants before discharge and (iii) Local bodies must ensure solid waste is collected and processed properly to prevent illegal dumping.
Page 8 of 1511.2 Report filed on 22.09.2021:- A meeting on 29.06.2021 led to a TNPCB inspection, revealing the fact that Edatheru Pumping Station is non-functional, causing sewage discharge into storm drains. 403 households discharge untreated sewage, requiring UGSS connections. The Lalpuram STP (9.44 MLD capacity) operates at only 2.5 MLD due to disposal restrictions. Gnanaprakasam Tank sample taken on 30.07.2021 showed a pH of 9.07 and BOD of 22 mg/L, confirming contamination. 18 T/day solid waste is processed, but 32,000 m³ of legacy waste remains. Hence, it required actions viz., (i) Complete UGSS to stop untreated sewage discharge. (ii) Fully utilize Lalpuram STP by resolving disposal constraints. (iii) Remove encroachments to prevent further environmental damage.
11.3 Report filed on 02.09.2022:- Directions were issued for 100% UGSS coverage and sewage diversion to the STP. Water quality reports confirm that treated sewage meets standards, but further sewage management action is required in surrounding Panchayats.
12. Respondent No.7/Tamil Nadu Water & Drainage (TWAD) Board has also filed a report on 04.09.2021, stating that the Underground Sewerage Scheme (UGSS) for Chidambaram Municipality, sanctioned for Rs.75.62 crores, covers all 33 wards and serves a projected population of 78,200 by 2030. The project includes 55.7 km of sewer lines, 2,141 manholes, 3 lift manholes, 3 pumping stations, and a 9.44 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at Lalpuram. Fully operational since 28.05.2020, the scheme currently treats 5.2 MLD of sewage using the Activated Sludge Process (ASP), ensuring no untreated sewage is discharged into open drains. TNPCB test results confirm compliance with environmental standards, and the TWAD Board oversees proper sewage collection and treatment. The project has significantly improved sanitation and environmental conditions in Chidambaram.
Page 9 of 1513. The Block Development Officer (BDO) -
Kumaratchi Panchayat Union/ Respondent No.8 has filed a status report on 20.09.2021, stating that the encroachments in C. Thandeswaranallur Village have reduced the canal width from 25- 30 ft. to 10 ft., leading to sewage contamination from nearby households. Notices were issued to encroachers in Pulichamedu, Usuppur Village Panchayat, and residents were warned to stop sewage discharge. Encroacher details were submitted to the District Administration, awaiting further eviction orders. A Rs.16.70 crore sewage treatment proposal using the Aerobic Method was submitted to the Cuddalore District Collector on 23.08.2021 for approval. The Respondent awaits further instructions and will comply with Tribunal orders.
14. The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR&CE) Department, which was Suo Motu impleaded by this Tribunal as additional Respondent No.9 has also filed a report on 02.09.2021, stating that Gnanaprakasam Tank in Chidambaram is under municipal control and not linked to any temple. Theppotsavam, once held during Aani Thirumanjanam and Arudhra Darisanam, has not occurred for over 15 years due to sewage contamination. In 2019, the municipality and Environmentalist Foundation of India (EFI) carried out restoration efforts, but untreated sewage inflow remains a challenge. Stopping sewage discharge and reconstructing the mandapam could help reinstate the tradition.
15. The applicant has submitted affidavits dated 20.09.2021, 21.07.2022, and 07.01.2025, in addition to the main application, highlighting ongoing pollution and encroachments in Chidambaram's water bodies despite Tribunal directives. Encroachments hinder water flow in Nagacheri Theerthavari Kulam and have led to the drying up of Thatchankulam and Kumaran Kulam, while untreated sewage contaminates Gnanaprakasam Tank, disrupting rituals like the 400-year-old Thepa Thiruvizha. Although some removals have occurred, sewage discharge persists from 172 houses, and several water bodies, including Easwaran Koil Kulam and Pulichamedu Theerthavari Kulam, remain polluted. The applicant calls for strict Page 10 of 15 penalties, environmental compensation, and enforcement of previous orders to restore these essential water bodies.
16. Considered the pleadings, reports filed by the Joint Committee appointed by this Tribunal as well as the reports filed by the respondents' authorities from time to time, detailing the actions taken and also submissions made by the learned counsels.
17. Admittedly, as alleged by the applicant in the Original Application, the water bodies in Chidambaram viz., Nagacheri Theerthavari Kulam, Omakulam, and Gnanaprakasam Theppakkulam have suffered pollution due to untreated sewage discharge, solid waste accumulation, and encroachments.
18. The reports, as referred to earlier, indicate that Chidambaram Municipality generates 18 MT of solid waste per day, which is systematically collected and processed. Encroachments have been removed from Omakulam (94), Nagachery Kulam (71), and Gnanaprakasam Kulam (62), while an additional 520 encroachments have been identified, with eviction notices issued. Compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, was confirmed. Regarding encroachments and untreated sewage discharge, 403 houses were found discharging untreated sewage, with 38 connected to the UGSS so far, and full compliance targeted. Encroachments across multiple water bodies, including Nagacheri Kulam, Omakulam, and Theppakulam, were partially removed. The COVID-19 pandemic and pending litigation before the Hon'ble High Court of Madras caused delays in evictions.
19. For the restoration of Gnanaprakasam Tank, desilting, bund formation, afforestation, and fencing were undertaken by the Environmentalist Foundation of India (EFI). 96 structures were removed, with notices issued to 22 houses still discharging greywater. The reconstruction of the Theppotsavam Mandapam remains pending with temple authorities. Regarding encroachment removal and compliance, over multiple reports, eviction progress was detailed, with actions taken against 520 structures, including thatched houses, concrete structures, and compound walls. Affected households were issued eviction notices, with several evictions completed while others were pending judicial review.
Page 11 of 1520. Further, the Underground Sewerage Scheme (UGSS) in Chidambaram, commissioned in 2020 at a cost of Rs.75.62 crore, covers 10,000 households. The Lalpuram STP (9.44 MLD capacity) remains underutilized at 2.5 MLD due to connectivity issues. Ongoing efforts are being made to connect all houses to the UGSS to eliminate direct sewage discharge into water bodies.
21. The latest report, dated 27.03.2025, submitted by the District Collector - Cuddalore District, outlines the current status of encroachments in water bodies. A total of 67 individuals have encroached upon the land--37 of whom were previously issued pattas, while 30 are new encroachers. Among them, three individuals are ineligible for alternate sites: one is a government employee, and the other two already own land. Additionally, nine individuals are occupying only vacant sites and therefore do not qualify for an alternate house site. As a result, alternate land has been identified for the remaining 55 eligible individuals at Sy. No.35/5B, covering an area of 0.2819 Sq. Meters, and Sy. No.64/1A, covering 0.7915 Sq. Meters, in Chidambaram Taluk, Thandavarayan Chozhaganpettai Village, Natham. The pattas issued to 37 individuals were cancelled by the Sub Collector - Chidambaram, vide Proceedings dated 07.02.2025. Following this, Form-7 notices were issued, but the encroachers refused to accept them or allow them to be affixed to their homes. Consequently, the notices were posted at the VAO office and other public places.
22. Aggrieved by this, the affected individuals submitted their objections to the Sub Collector on 08.02.2025. Meanwhile, they also approached the Hon'ble High Court of Madras in W.P. No. 5829 of 2025 and W.M.P. No. 6416 of 2025 (Jayanthi & 32 Ors. Vs. District Collector, Cuddalore District & Ors.), where the Court passed the following order on 21.02.2025:
"7. In the light of the narrative thus far, following order is made:
(i) Impugned order of R2 dated 07.02.2025 bearing reference Na.Ka.No.A4/574/2024 is set aside on the short point that writ petitioners have not been put on notice before cancellation of pattas;
(ii) We are not expressing any view or opinion on the proceedings before NGT or orders made by NGT;Page 12 of 15
(iii) All the rights and contentions of the writ petitioners are preserved when they are put on notice for cancellation of patta proceedings which, learned State counsel submits, will be done within 3 weeks from today i.e., by 14.03.2025;
(iv) When writ petitioners are put on notice, RR 4 and 5 shall also be put on notice and given an opportunity. This preserves the rights of RR 4 and 5 and therefore, there is no impediment in the captioned main WP being disposed of (To be noted, nothing adverse to private respondents is mentioned in the instant order);
(v) Notice under Section 7 of said 1905 Act issued to the writ petitioners shall be rolled back; and
(vi) Subject to and depending on the outcome of the patta cancellation proceedings, it is open to the State to issue notices under Section 7 of said 1905 Act afresh or proceed under other appropriate applicable statute."
23. From the above, it is evident that the Hon'ble High Court of Madras has set aside the Sub Collector's proceedings dated 07.02.2025 on the sole ground that the writ petitioners were not given prior notice before the cancellation of their pattas. The Court further directed the authorities to proceed with the cancellation process only after issuing notices and providing an opportunity for the affected parties to be heard. While issuing eviction notices to encroachers to vacate their illegal occupation, the alleged encroachers must also state in what capacity they are squatting on the land. It is the responsibility of the encroachers to justify their occupation of land that does not belong to them. Once those persons, who are occupying the land illegally, are identified and evicted, the authorities are directed to collect environmental compensation as per the procedure and also the applicable rent for the use and occupation of the land.
24. While appreciating the efforts taken by the authorities in removing the encroachments and restoring the water bodies, it would be appropriate for the authorities viz., District Collector, Chidambaram Municipality, and the Public Works Department to jointly ensure the complete removal of remaining encroachments. The eviction process shall be undertaken, with appropriate rehabilitation measures provided to eligible individuals in accordance with existing rules and regulations. Additionally, the UGSS connectivity must be fully completed to prevent the discharge of untreated sewage into water bodies.
Page 13 of 1525. In the result, I. The District Collector - Cuddalore, Chidambaram Municipality, and the Public Works Department shall jointly ensure the complete removal of remaining encroachments. The eviction process shall be undertaken, with appropriate rehabilitation measures provided to eligible individuals in accordance with existing rules and regulations.
II. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) and Tamil Nadu Water and Drainage (TWAD) Board shall monitor sewage treatment efficiency at the Lalpuram STP.
III. The Public Works Department (WRD) and
Chidambaram Municipality shall desilt and
rejuvenate Nagacheri Theerthavari Kulam,
Omakulam, and Gnanaprakasam Theppakkulam
periodically.
IV. Fencing and protective measures must be put in place to prevent further encroachments.
V. The TNPCB, the regulatory authority, shall
impose appropriate environmental
compensation on individuals and industries found polluting these water bodies in future as well. Non-compliant entities shall be subjected to strict penalties under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
26. In view of the foregoing, the Original Application [O.A. No.125 of 2021 (SZ)] is disposed of with the above directions. The official respondents are duty-bound to execute the orders in a time-bound manner.
Page 14 of 1527. Consequently, the interlocutory applications [I.A. Nos.174 of 2022 and 18 of 2023 (SZ)] are closed.
Sd/-
Smt. Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana, JM Sd/-
Dr. Satyagopal Korlapati, EM Internet - Yes/No All India NGT Reporter - Yes/No O.A. No.125/2021 (SZ) I.A. No.174/2022 (SZ) & I.A. No.18/2023 (SZ) 16th April, 2025. Mn.
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