NGT Constitutes Joint Committee to Inspect Sambhar Lake Over Encroachments, Illegal Salt Pans

Karnataka Assembly Unanimously Rejects Kasturirangan Report's ESA Framework for Western Ghats

The Karnataka Assembly unanimously rejected the Kasturirangan Report's recommendations for Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) in the Western Ghats, citing livelihood fears and outdated satellite data. The rejection pressures Karnataka to produce an alternative map, as other states like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu are progressing with the framework.

Ken-Betwa Link: Centre Defers Displacement Grievances to MP Govt; 7,000 Families at Risk Under FRA

The Ken-Betwa River Link Project, a flagship interlinking river project, faces protests over displacement of over 7,000 families. The Centre has shifted responsibility to the Madhya Pradesh government for implementing the Forest Rights Act and compensation, raising questions about federal accountability and tribal rights. This is crucial for UPSC Polity (Centre-State relations), Environment (river linking), and Social Justice (tribal rights).

SC Directs Environment Ministry to Create Guidelines for Environmental Compensation Under SWM Rules 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Union government to create comprehensive guidelines for imposing and collecting environmental compensation for violations of the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026. The new rules, effective April 1, 2026, replace the 2016 rules and aim to improve segregation, curb landfill dependency, and promote a circular economy, but implementation remains a major challenge due to poor data integrity and lack of verification.

AP Assembly Adopts Water Amendment Act 2024: Penalties of ₹10K-₹15L for Minor Violations

Andhra Pradesh has adopted the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024, decriminalising minor technical violations by replacing criminal penalties with financial fines (₹10,000–₹15 lakh). This is a key shift toward trust-based governance and ease of doing business, and a potential Prelims/Mains topic on environmental law reforms.

SC Sets Aside NGT Order on Art of Living, Directs DDA to Refund ₹5 Crore Compensation

The Supreme Court has set aside a 2017 NGT order that held the Art of Living Foundation responsible for damaging the Yamuna floodplains during its 2016 World Culture Festival. The Court directed the DDA to refund the ₹5 crore environmental compensation deposited by the foundation, while also ordering DDA to continue floodplain rehabilitation work.

CEC Notice to Assam on Construction in Kaziranga’s 9 Animal Corridors & 10-km ESZ

The Assam government has ignored repeated notices (2022, 2026) from the Supreme Court-constituted Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to provide details of illegal construction in 9 animal corridors of Kaziranga National Park and within 10 km of its Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ). This highlights a critical conflict between development and wildlife conservation, with RTI activist Rohit Choudhury exposing the delay.

SC Bans Construction within 100m of Jojari River, Prohibits Hazardous Industries within 500m

Supreme Court imposes strict environmental buffer zones on Jojari River in Rajasthan — banning construction within 100 metres and hazardous industries within 500 metres — to curb severe contamination affecting around 2 million people in a water-starved state. This is a critical example of judicial intervention in environmental protection and river pollution governance.

Karnataka High Court Quashes Housing Board Land Acquisition in Bannerghatta ESZ, Upholds Elephant Corridor Protection

The Karnataka High Court quashed land acquisition for a housing project in the Bannerghatta National Park Eco-Sensitive Zone, ruling that elephant corridors are essential habitat, not mere passages, and cannot be displaced for development. This judgment reinforces the legal protection of wildlife corridors and eco-sensitive zones in land acquisition cases, a crucial topic for environment and governance.