Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding use of wood as fuel by industries, Dahod, Gujarat, 14/01/2020
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Hasmkh R. Shah Vs State of Gujarat dated 14/01/2020 regarding use of wood as a fuel in industrial area, Dahod, Gujarat generating carbon iand causing pollution. Gujarat State Pollution Control Board inspected 16 units and submitted a report in October 2019 stating that 8 industrial units have neither obtained Consolidated Consent and Authorization (CCA) nor provided with Air Pollution Control Management (APCM).
The report further states that show cause notice has been issued to 13 units operating without pollution control measures and the progress would be reviewed by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB). It was further stated that the wood is a permissible fuel as per fuel policy of the state.
The NGT directed the GPCB to take remedial action including assessment and recovery of compensation on ‘polluter pays’ principle. Further, adequate safeguards be incorporated for enforcement of fuel policy under the provision of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.