Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding a sugar mill violating environmental norms, Solapur, Maharashtra, 09/06/2021
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Sanjay Bhimashankar Thobde Vs The Chairman & Directors, Shree Siddheshwar Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana Ltd. & Others regarding the 90 meter chimney set up by Shree Siddheshwar Sahakari Karkhana Ltd. at Solapur in the process of operating its sugar mill.
The applicant (Sanjay Bhimashankar Thobde) has referred to order of the Airport Authority of India (AAI), August 24, 2019 requiring reduction of the height of the chimney to facilitate aircraft operations from Solapur airport. Further, the project proponent does not have requisite Environmental Clearance (EC) and is not complying with the conditions of Consent to Establish. Spent wash was being directly discharged in the open area.
The NGT in its order, June 9, 2021 said that while the reduction of height is covered by the AAI order, the allegation of discharge of spent wash in open and expanding the activities in violation of the requirement of prior EC are issues which would require consideration. Further, in the event of reduction of height of the chimney, suitable measures to mitigate the impact of air pollution need to be introduced. Thus, the NGT directed the constitution of a joint Committee comprising the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and District Magistrate, Solapur to furnish a factual and action taken report in the matter.