NGT warns of ₹50,000 penalty if Belagavi DC fails to submit water pollution report by August 14.
Belagavi | July 26, 2025 — The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has once again warned the Deputy Commissioner of Belagavi. The tribunal threatened to double a previous fine to ₹50,000 due to delays in submitting a report on alleged water pollution by a local sugar factory.
The case concerns Hiranyakeshi Sahakari Sakkare Karkhane, a sugar mill in Sankeshwar. It stands accused of releasing molasses waste into the Hiranyakeshi River. Consequently, this pollution affects both surface and groundwater in Kolhapur district, Maharashtra.
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Tribunal Expresses Frustration Over Delay
The NGT’s southern zone bench, led by Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and expert member Satyagopal Korlapati, had already fined the Deputy Commissioner ₹25,000 on June 26. This penalty came after repeated failures to submit the required environmental report. Despite multiple chances, the Deputy Commissioner failed to comply.
Moreover, during the hearing on July 23, the bench expressed strong disapproval of the continued delay. They gave a final deadline, stating:
“The report of the Deputy Commissioner, Belagavi, has not yet been filed… We give a final opportunity to file the report on or before August 14, 2025. If not, we will accept it only after payment of ₹50,000.”
Local Resident Flags Pollution
The petition was originally filed by Shahu Shivaji Mokahi, a resident of Nangnur village in Kolhapur. He accused the factory of polluting the Hiranyakeshi River. Importantly, this river serves as a key water source for many local communities.
Growing Pressure on Authorities
As a result, the NGT’s warning has increased pressure on the Belagavi district administration. In addition, local leaders and activists are urging quick action to protect public health. They demand stricter enforcement of pollution control laws.
This case highlights the urgent need to control pollution, especially in rivers shared by different states. Therefore, the August 14 deadline is now a crucial test for the administration’s responsiveness and accountability.
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