Rajasthan

• 31 Dec 2024

NGT Issues Notice Over Gas Leak in Jaipur

Why in News? 

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Central Pollution Control Board and Jaipur's District Magistrate to respond to a case involving the hospitalization of several students following a suspected gas leak in Jaipur. 

 Key Points 

• The Incident: 
  • The NGT took suo motu cognisance on a suspected gas leak incident in Jaipur. 
    • The incident, which occurred on 15th December 2024 in the Mahesh Nagar area, resulted in the hospitalization of 10 students from a coaching institute after they fainted due to the leak from a nearby drain. 
• Observations by the Tribunal: 
  • The Tribunal noted that no compensation for the victims was mentioned in the report. 
  • The Bench highlighted significant issues concerning compliance with the Public Liability Insurance Act 1991 and the Environment (Protection) Act 1986. 
  • Notices were issued to the respondents, directing them to file their responses or replies. 
  • The Tribunal included as respondents the following parties: 
    • Member secretaries of the Central Pollution Control Board and Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board. 
    • Jaipur’s District Magistrate. 
    • The regional office of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and  
    • Climate Change. 

 The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) 

• It is a statutory organisation, was constituted in 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. 
• CPCB was also entrusted with the powers and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. 
• It serves as a field formation and also provides technical services to the Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate change of the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 

Rajasthan Government Dissolves 9 Districts

Why in News? 

• Recently, the Rajasthan government dissolved nine districts and three divisions created in 2023. 

 Key Points 

• Reorganization of Districts and Divisions: 
  • Rajasthan will now have 41 districts and seven divisions. 
  • The divisions of Pali, Sikar, and Banswara have been annulled. 
  • Eight districts were retained due to "administrative necessity." 
  • Abolished Districts: 
    • Dudu, Kekri, Shahpura, Neem Ka Thana, Gangapur City, Jaipur Rural, Jodhpur Rural, Anupgarh, and Sanchore. 
  • Retained Districts: 
    • Balotra, Beawar, Deeg, Didwana-Kuchaman, Kotputli-Behror, Khairthal-Tijara, Phalodi, and Salumbar. 
• Administrative Issues with New Districts: 
  • Lack of Infrastructure: 
    • New districts lacked office buildings, administrative infrastructure, and official posts, despite the lapse of over a year. 
    • The creation of 18 departmental posts proved to be burdensome. 
• Committee Recommendations: 
  • A High-Level Committee report recommended abolishing the new districts, finding them unviable. 
  • A Cabinet Sub-Committee was also formed to review the status of these districts.