The Tribunal has the authority to take suo-motu action regarding environmental compliance in light of severe water scarcity and urbanization issues.

1. This original application is registered suo-motu on the basis of the news item titled "Water crisis threatens Bengaluru, Mangaluru and Shivamogga" appearing in NewsKarnataka.com dated 06.04.2024.

2. The matter relates to severe water scarcity in Karnataka's major cities like Bengaluru, Mangaluru and Shivamogga. As per the article, relying entirely on monsoon rains to replenish water reserves has become increasingly precarious due to dwindling and erratic rainfall patterns.

Shivamogga, even though benefitted by a natural drainage system, is also facing looming water scarcity. The article states that the district is experiencing groundwater depletion due to over exploitation for irrigating water intensive crops like areca nut and paddy.

3. The news item further alleges that Shivamogga's rapid urbanization, industrial growth and real estate expansion, exacerbates water consumption. Coupled with inauguration of the airport and the district's emergence as a healthcare and education tourism hub, the development has come at a cost, with Tunga river witnessing reduced water output during failed monsoons in 2023. Similarly, the news item points out the water crisis faced by Mangaluru that relys solely on Netravathi river.

4. The news item alleges that encroachments on vital water bodies along national highways further compound the issue, obstructing underground water channels and exacerbating topsoil erosion, violation of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) aggravates the problem, leading to destruction of wetlands crucial for sustaining river ecosystems and urban water supply.

5. The above matter indicates violation of the Water (Prevention and Control of Polution) Act, 1974, Coastal Regulation Zone and Environment Protection Act , 1986.

6. The news item raises substantial issue relating to compliance of the environmental norms and implementation of the provisions of scheduled enactment.

7. Power of the Tribunal to take up the matter suo-motu has been recognized by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the matter of “Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs. Ankita Sinha & Ors.” reported in 2021 SCC Online SC 897 .

8. Hence, we implead the following as respondents:

(i). Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, through its Member Secretary.

Parisara Bhavana, No #49, Church Street, Bengaluru-560001 (ii). Central Pollution Control Board, through its Member Secretary. Parivesh Bhawan, East Arjun Nagar, Delhi-110032. (iii). National Coastal Zone Management Authority, through its Chairman, Indira Paryavaran Bhawan, Jorbagh Road, New Delhi-110003.

(iv). Deputy Commissioner/District Magistrate, Mangaluru, The Deputy Commissioner, Dakshina Kannada, Mangalore-

575001. (v). Deputy Commissioner/District Magistrate, Bengaluru, Kempegowda Road, Behind Kandaya Bhavana, Urban District Bengaluru-560009 (vi). Deputy Commissioner/District Magistrate, Shivamogga, Office, Sir MV Road, Savalanga Road, Shivamogga-577201

9. Issue notice to the respondents for filing there response before the appropriate bench of the Tribunal.

10. Since the matter relates to the Southern Zonal Bench, Chennai, therefore, OA is transferred to the Southern Zonal Bench. Therefore, the original record of this OA be transferred to the Southern Zonal Bench, Chennai for further action