In aสิ่งแวดล้อม representation, the Tribunal noted grievances regarding lake deterioration and a proposed project. The Bench did not list the matter but exercised jurisdiction to transfer the case to its Southern Zone Bench at Chennai.
Transfer of the case to Southern Zone Bench at Chennai for hearing; directions to the Registry to list accordingly.
This page shows the compact analysis of this judgement. The full analysis — procedural history, issue-by-issue holdings with ratio and obiter, advocates, and paragraph-level evidence for every claim — is being added to the record in batches and will appear here when this judgement has been through it.
Item No. 01
Court No. 2
BEFORE NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL PRINCIPAL BENCH, NEW DELHI
Original Application No. 148/2026
K Basavaraju
Applicant
Versus
State of Andhra Pradesh & Ors. Respondents
Date of hearing: 18.03.2026
CORAM: HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE ARUN KUMAR TYAGI, JUDICIAL MEMBER HON’BLE DR. A. SENTHIL VEL, EXPERT MEMBER
A pplicant: K Basavaraju- Applicant in person with Mr. Pruthvish through V.C.
ORDER
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xxx……………….………………..xxx……………………………………xxx
“Subject: Urgent representation regarding continued deterioration of Chandapura Lake, its impact on downstream water bodies (Muttanallur Lake and Bidaraguppe Lake), and serious concerns over the proposed "Swift City" project in the ecologically sensitive catchment seeking immediate intervention and direction for a comprehensive Ecological Impact Assessment.
Respected Sir/Madam,
This is to bring to your urgent notice the grave and ongoing environmental crisis concerning Chandapura Lake (in Anekal Taluk, Bengaluru), which is the subject of suo motu cognizance by the NGT in OA No. 324/2021. The matter involves the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB), and other stakeholders. It is pertinent to note that KIADB is also a party to the said Original Application (OA No. 324/2021).
Despite Biannual reports being submitted by KSPCB to the Tribunal, the water quality of Chandapura Lake remains severely degraded and unfit for any human use. This lake is a direct inlet to Muttanallur Lake, thereby polluting it and subsequently Bidaraguppe Lake, creating a cascading effect of contamination across the water system.
Of critical concern is the proposed "Swift City" project planned across 11 villages in the same catchment area of Muttanallur Lake. This development will place immense additional stress on an already compromised water system. The lakes in these 11 villages act as tributaries to Bidaraguppe Lake, and urbanisation here will exacerbate pollution, water depletion, and ecological damage.
It is noted that in the 388th, 393rd and 394th.meeting resolutions of KIADB, the acquisition of lands for this project was discussed. The Chairman of KSPCB Was absent in the 388th meeting. However, he was present in the 393rd and 394th meetings in his capacity as a Board Member. Despite this participation, no caution regarding the ecological sensitivity of the area or the mandatory need for an Ecological Impact Assessment (EIA) was recorded or introduced into the resolutions.
This indicates a serious failure of statutory duty by KSPCB, which, despite full knowledge of:
Furthermore, this issue is not merely administrative but a matter of intense and sustained public concern. Civic forums and local residents have been holding protests for over five years, with demonstrations continuing as recently as today, demanding the protection of these
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lakes and opposing unsustainable development that threatens their water security and environment.
In view of the above, it is humbly prayed that this Hon'ble Tribunal may be pleased to:
6. Direct KIADB to shelve the "Swift City" project.
7. Direct both authorities to take all necessary steps to protect the catchment of Chandapura-Muttanallur-Bidaraguppe lakes from further degradation.
8. Direct that a comprehensive Ecological Impact Assessment be conducted by an independent accredited agency before any reconsideration of the project.
9. Monitor the implementation of earlier orders in OA No. 324/2021 to restore Chandapura Lake.
10. Call for an explanation from KSPCB regarding its failure to advise KIADB on the ecological risks despite being part of the decision- making process and despite both being parties to the ongoing case.
The following documents are available for your perusal and are attached herewith:
The proposed urban expansion in this ecologically fragile catchment, without proper assessment, will defeat the very purpose of the NGT's intervention in OA No. 324/2021 and lead to irreversible damage, directly contravening the concerns raised by citizens for years.”
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Zone Bench of this Tribunal at Chennai, we are of the considered view that it will be appropriate if the case is heard by the Southern Zone Bench of this Tribunal at Chennai.
Arun Kumar Tyagi, JM
Dr. A. Senthil Vel, EM
March 18th , 2026 Original Application No. 148/2026 AB
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Colour shows how this judgement treated each authority
Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs. Ankita SinhaReferred¶13
Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs. Ankita Sinha, (2022) 13 SCC 401 · Who else cites this
1 provisions across 1 enactments
K Basavaraju
State of Andhra Pradesh
Arun Kumar Tyagi
A. Senthil Vel
As recorded by the court registry
An original application before a tribunal, most commonly a service dispute before the Central or a State Administrative Tribunal.
Judgements on the same questions, provisions and authorities, from every court
