Archive · 22 Dec 2025
NGT Fines Visva-Bharati and Birbhum for Waste Management Lapses
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has fined Visva-Bharati University and the Birbhum district administration for not properly managing waste in and around the university.
This happened just before the Poush Mela, a big fair that starts on December 23.
The NGT had earlier asked for reports on how waste is being handled but felt that the university and the administration did not follow the rules.
An environmentalist named Subhas Dutta had first raised this issue in 2016.
The university says it will now follow the NGT's orders.
Officials also checked the fair venue to make sure waste is being managed properly.
The Poush Mela will have over 1,400 stalls and is organized by Visva-Bharati and the Santiniketan Trust.
NGT imposed fines on Visva-Bharati University and Birbhum district administration for lapses in solid and liquid waste management.
The fines were imposed a day before the start of the Poush Mela, which is scheduled from December 23-28, 2023.
The NGT had earlier sought reports on waste management arrangements but felt previous directives were not complied with.
Environmentalist Subhas Dutta filed a case in 2016 over pollution issues related to waste handling by Visva-Bharati.
Visva-Bharati's spokesperson Atig Ghosh stated the university will comply with the NGT's directives.
- Who
- Visva-Bharati University, Birbhum district administration, National Green Tribunal (NGT), Environmentalist Subhas Dutta
- What
- NGT imposed fines for lapses in solid and liquid waste management
- When
- December 23, 2023
- Where
- Visva-Bharati campus area and adjoining localities, Birbhum, West Bengal
- Why
- Alleged non-compliance with previous NGT directives on waste management
- Organizations Fined
- Visva-Bharati University, Birbhum district administration
- Issue
- Lapses in solid and liquid waste management
- Date of Fine Imposition
- December 23, 2023
- Event Affected
- Poush Mela (December 23-28, 2023)
- Number of Stalls at Poush Mela
- Over 1,400
- Organizers of Poush Mela
- Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan Trust
- Environmentalist Involved
- Subhas Dutta
- Year of Initial Complaint
- 2016