The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has reprimanded the Belagavi district administration for repeatedly failing to file a report on pollution allegations against a local sugar factory, warning that the fine will be doubled if the delay persists.
The southern bench of the NGT, comprising Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and expert member Satyagopal Korlapati, was hearing a petition filed by Shahu Shivaji Mokahi, a resident of Nangnur village in Maharashtra’s Kolhapur district. The petitioner alleged that the Hiranyakeshi Sahakari Sakkare Karkhane in Sankeshwar (Belagavi district) had been discharging untreated molasses and effluents into the Hiranyakeshi River, contaminating surface and groundwater downstream in Maharashtra.
Despite multiple chances, the Belagavi Deputy Commissioner failed to submit the required status report. A fine of ₹25,000 had already been imposed on June 26 for the delay. However, during the hearing on July 23, the bench expressed displeasure over the continued non-compliance.
“The report of the Deputy Commissioner, Belagavi, has not yet been filed, even though it was recorded that the same would be accepted only upon payment of ₹25,000,” the bench noted.
The NGT granted a final extension, setting a deadline of August 14, 2025, for the report. “We give a final opportunity to the Deputy Commissioner to file his report on or before 14.08.2025, failing which the same will be received only upon payment of ₹50,000,” the tribunal warned.
