The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has formally requested responses from the Karnataka government and four additional authorities concerning the reported mass mortality of fish in a lake close to Ambedkar Circle in Athani town, located in Belagavi district. This request follows observations that the allegations suggest “substantial questions relating to environment.” Both Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and Dr A. Senthil Vel are part of the Principal Bench overseeing this issue.

Earlier, a complaint submitted by Sohan Ashok Banasode on January 30, 2026, through the Tribunal’s Public Grievances Portal led to this development. The application was registered for the suo motu jurisdiction, referencing a significant Supreme Court case concerning environmental regulations. The NGT has taken the situation seriously due to its possible implications for the environment.

The Tribunal, in its order dated August 10, indicated that the claims made in the original application warrant further examination, highlighting potential breaches of environmental protections under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. Around January 29, 2026, numerous fish were found dead in the lake, raising alarms over the quality of water, which was allegedly poor in oxygen and heavily polluted. The applicant attributes these conditions to the discharge of untreated sewage and municipal waste, leading to significant concern about the health of the aquatic ecosystem.

Allegations of Negligence by Local Authorities

The complaint filed by Banasode raises serious allegations regarding the negligence of the local municipal authorities in Athani. It claims that these officials permitted untreated sewage discharge and ongoing garbage dumping, which has adversely affected the lake and its surrounding environment. As a result, the applicant argues that there have been detrimental impacts on aquatic life and public health.

In light of these serious allegations, the complaint seeks an immediate inspection and water quality sampling by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, as well as local government officials in Belagavi. Furthermore, it requests the removal of dead fish from the waterbody, a cessation of the pollution sources, penalties against those responsible for these environmental breaches, and implementation of long-term conservation measures.

After examining the complaint’s claims, the Tribunal deemed it necessary to involve the relevant authorities to gather more information. The Registry has been directed to prepare a memo detailing the parties involved and to issue notices to the respondents, including a copy of the application and supporting documents. This action reflects the NGT’s commitment to addressing environmental concerns diligently.

Transfer of the Case to Southern Zone Bench in Chennai

The Principal Bench has decided to transfer this case to the Southern Zone Bench of the NGT located in Chennai, owing to the jurisdiction of the Southern Zone concerning the underlying issues. The Tribunal has instructed the Registry to schedule the case for hearing at the Chennai Bench on August 31, 2026, pending necessary approvals from the Chairperson for the case transfer.

The Tribunal also issued a directive for the respondents to submit their replies or responses at least one day before the next hearing date. The steps being taken illustrate the NGT’s proactive approach in handling environmental justice, ensuring that all parties involved have the opportunity to present their cases comprehensively.

This case continues to draw attention due to its implications for environmental governance in India, as authorities seek to address the concerns of local residents and uphold the tenets of environmental law. As the hearing date approaches, there is a collective interest in how the matter will unfold and what measures will be implemented to restore the affected ecosystem.

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