Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding fly ash pollution by Kanti Bijlee Utpadan Nigam Limited, Muzaffarpur, Bihar, 28/09/2020
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Satyanarayan Sahni Vs State of Bihar dated 28/09/2020. A report was sought from District Magistrate, Muzaffarpur and Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) on the allegation of pollution being caused by fly ash dump set up by thermal power plant at village Kanti Nagar, district Muzaffarpur, Bihar causing damage to the public health, animal health and ecology in the area.
The matter was thereafter considered in the light of report December 21, 2019 - which indicated deficiencies in handling of the fly ash by M/s. Kanti Bijlee Utpadan Nigam Limited, Kanti Unit, Muzaffarpur (KBUNL).
The Tribunal directed further remedial action and filing of status report. Accordingly, a status report was filed by the BSPCB July 16, 2020 mentioning the steps taken including the shortening of timeline for performance of certain jobs, in the interest of the environment. The State PCB, to secure performance has sought bank guarantee of Rs. 5 crores from KBUNL.
The NGT directed that further remedial action by taken by KBUNL, which would be overseen by the state PCB.