Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding pollution of river Bhella, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, 12/05/2022
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Shailesh Singh Vs State of Uttar Pradesh & Others dated 12/05/2022.
The application seeks execution of NGT order, March 18, 2021 whereby directions were issued for remedial action against pollution by the polluting industrial activities discharging polluted effluents in river Bhella which meets Kosi river in Rampur, which is a tributary of Ramganga, which in turn is a tributary of river Ganga.
Before passing the NGT order, March 18, 2021, the matter was considered for about five years by three detailed orders. The Tribunal found that pollution of river Bhella in Moradabad was taking place due to untreated discharge of pollutants by industries, apart from other sources. One of the major polluting industries was M/s Radico Khaitan Limited.
The NGT directed that monitoring norms be reviewed and for the past violations, further remedial action must be taken in terms of recovery of compensation for the violations for being used for restoration of environment and augmentation of groundwater levels.
The Tribunal directed joint committees in states of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, headed by Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture with nominees of Departments of Soil Conservation, Forest, Water Resources and Panchayati Raj and Rural Development to hold meetings on monthly basis to review the level of the water tables and effectiveness of the measures taken and remedial action required.