Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding discharge of untreated effluents by textile units using hazardous chemicals in Loni area, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 08/08/2019
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Rashid Ali Warsi Vs UPSIDC Ltd. & Others dated 08/08/2019 regarding discharge of untreated effluents by textile units using hazardous chemicals in Loni area, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.
The Tribunal on finding that the Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) set up by the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation Ltd (UPSIDC) was not functioning properly had directed its management to be handed over to Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), Tronica City Association. But the conveyance system was not rectified. BOD and O&G exceeded the prescribed standards. On account of chocking of drainage system, effluents were overflowing into the drain resulting in water logging. Hazardous waste was being stored unscientifically and damage was being caused to the Jawali irrigation canal meeting Hindon River, which is a tributary of Yamuna.
The Tribunal, then had directed remedial measures to be taken up the concerned authorities, overseen by a Committee headed by Justice S.U Khan, former Judge of Allahabad High Court. The report furnished by the Oversight/Monitoring Committee mentioned the non-cooperative attitude of the concerned officers of the UPSIDC and the UPPCB. The result was that the hazardous waste continued to be stored unscientifically in closed bags and there was non-compliance of the orders of this Tribunal. BOD exceeded the prescribed parameters. Conveyance system was not properly maintained which was required to be done by CETP Association/UPSIDC.
The NGT vide order dated April 4, 2019 had asked the Chief Secretary, Uttar Pradesh to look into the report and furnish an action taken report. The report of August 6, 2019 mentions that remedial measures have been taken and responsibility of erring officers of the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) and the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation Ltd (UPSIDC) fixed who will now be proceeded against by the concerned departments. Further, 28 units which were operating at 50% capacity have been closed as the Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) did not have the capacity to sustain the pollution caused by the said units. A new CETP of 6 MLD capacity has now been constructed and conditional Consent to Operate has been given. There is proposal to revoke the closure in due course after improvement of the situation. The system has been operationalized and third-party verification is in process. OCEMS has been installed. The new CETP is under stabilization.
Keeping in consideration the report, NGT directs that further action be taken in accordance with law after ensuring that the CETP is fully functional and stablilized and no pollution caused.