Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding illegal operation of jaggery units, Narsinghpur, Madhya Pradesh, 11/01/2022
Order of the National Green Tribunal (Central Zone Bench, Bhopal) in the matter of Rammanohar Lodhi & Others Vs State of Madhya Pradesh & Others dated 11/01/2022.
The issue raised in the application is illegal operation of Kolhus (jaggery units) and power crushers operating in the district Narsinghpur, Madhya Pradesh causing air pollutant emission of obnoxious gases, dust and also polluting ground water and operating in violation of guidelines issued by CPCB and MoEF&CC.
The NGT had taken up the matter, November 1, 2021 and a committee consisting of Collector, Nargisngpur and the representative of the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board was constituted with direction to submit the factual and action take report.
The report said that the jaggery units are mainly operated in mid November to February months as per availability of sugarcane. The units are temporary in basis and are situated in the agricultural field of the farmers. This food processing sector is unorganized and it is very difficult for compliance of the CPCB guidelines. Action against the jiggery units may create law and order problem in the area however MPPCB has issued notice to all units for compliance of CPCB guidelines.
Considering the facts and recommendations of the joint committee, the NGT directed the Chief Secretary, Madhya Pradesh to take necessary steps and develop mechanism that the guidelines issued by the CPCB in the matter of operation of jaggery units and recommendation of the joint committee must be strictly observed and complied with. Further, Collector Narsinghpur has been directed to strictly enforce the guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board. The State Pollution Control Board is directed to periodically monitor the units and compliance of the guidelines issued by Central Pollution Control Board and in case of any violation to take necessary legal action in addition to the assessment and realisation of environmental compensation.