The National Green Tribunal on issued notices to Madhya Pradesh government and organiser of three-day event 'Vaicharik Mahakumbh', to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, for alleged violation of environment laws.
The notices were issued on the basis of a petition filed by environmental activist Ajay Dubey alleging that large number of trees were cut without taking necessary permission and following proper guidelines to make way for the venue of Vaicharik Mahakumbh, a gathering of religious and political leaders to discuss various issues concerning people and society at Ninora hamlet near Ujjain.
Dubey claimed that adequate arrangements for management of waste were not made that may cause serious health hazards to people living in the area. The central zonal bench of the green tribunal has directed that notices to be issued in the matter and put the matter for next hearing on May 30.
The notices have been issued to chief secretary of the state, collector of Ujjain, commissioner of Indore Municipal Corporation, district forest officer of Ujjain, regional officer of Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board and Anil Madhav Dave, convener of the event.
"The organiser and state administration have not made adequate arrangements for waste disposals. They have also used hazardous materials like asbestos and bitumin for constructing temporary toilets and roads respectively. Also large number of trees have been cut to make ways for the event venue," the petitioner claimed.
The 'Vaicharik Mahakumbh' started on Thursday. It is among one of the various activities being undertaken by the state administration as part of the ongoing month-long Kumbh festival in Ujjain. The Kumbh ends on May 21.
The prime minister is scheduled to participate in the Vaicharik Mahakumbh on Saturday.
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