The National Green Tribunal’s Southern Bench here has rejected a review application filed by the Dr MGR group of institutions challenging the imposition of a penalty of Rs. 40 lakh for polluting the Cooum.
The Bench comprising Justice P. Jyothimani and expert member P.S. Rao rejected the review application on the ground that their interim orders were passed based on a report submitted by the TNPCB and no new facts were available to review the order.
The five institutions that are facing action are: M/s. Dr. MGR University Research & Educational Institute at Maduravoyal, M/s. Thai Moogambigai Dental College & Hospital at Mogappair, M/s. Thai Moogambigai Polytechnic College at Maduravoyal, M/s. Dr. MGR University Educational and Research Institute University – Phase II, Gents Hostels and M/s.Dr.MGR University Educational and Research Institute University – Phase II and Ladies Hostels.
The review application was filed by all the respondent-educational institutions against the tribunal’s interim order directing them to pay Rs. 40 lakh to the Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust, according to the Polluter Pays Principle within two weeks.
According to a TNPCB report, some of these institutions have been discharging untreated sewage into the Cooum and did not have Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) for the last 26 years.
