Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding compliance of CPCB guidelines for running of gaushalas/dairy farms, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, 12/09/2023
Order of the National Green Tribunal (Central Zone Bench, Bhopal) in the matter of Sitaram Ahirwar Vs State of Madhya Pradesh & Others dated 12/09/2023.
The issue in the application is compliances of the CPCB Guidelines for Environmental Management of Gaushalas/ Dairy Farms issued in July, 2020 and after that in 2021 and manual on Management of Gaushalas by ICAR, New Delhi vide order dated May 3, 2016. The complaint is that in the vicinity of applicant’s residence, a dairy is being run by one Vikram Singh Chauhan, wherein, presently about 250-300 cattle are there and though in the revenue record, only 1.28 acres of land was in possession of Vikram Singh Chauhan but his activities have spread over 3 acres of land which is on account of encroachment of government land. It is also said that poultry activity is also being carried out in the said premises illegally which is resulting in air pollution and no statutory permission/consent has been taken from the concerned authorities for running the activities in a residential area.
The court directed the dairy operator to ensure appropriate treatment of wastewater and utilization of the treated waste water which may be used in irrigation and other purposes. In addition, plantation of trees or green belts, wherever feasible to provide a barrier against spread of foul smell or noise originating from them. Local bodies/municipal corporations should publish a public notice in newspapers and on their websites for registration of dairy farms and gaushalas as per municipal laws.