Pharmaceutical Waste Contamination in Hyderabad's Sakhi Lake Under Scrutiny

The National Green Tribunal has demanded responses from the environment ministry and others about pharmaceutical waste pollution in Hyderabad's Sakhi Lake. Taking suo motu cognisance of a news report, the tribunal highlighted concerns on regulatory compliance, scheduling the next hearing for November 25.

The National Green Tribunal has ordered the environment ministry and associated bodies to address the alarming pollution, primarily from pharmaceutical waste, affecting Hyderabad's Sakhi Lake. The tribunal's action follows its independent review of a news report detailing the lake's contamination.

In an October 3 directive, NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava pointed out serious issues regarding adherence to environmental standards. The case bench also included Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member A Senthil Vel, who appointed various regional offices and boards as respondents.

The tribunal has demanded that these parties submit their affidavits a week before the forthcoming hearing, scheduled for November 25 at the southern zonal bench. The move signals heightened scrutiny on the region's regulatory compliance.

(With inputs from agencies.)