Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding pollution caused by Mohan Meakin Private Limited, Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, 09/01/2024
Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding In re : News item appearing in Tribune dated 15.12.2023 titled “Kasauli Distillery dumps effluent into water source, supply affected” dated 09/01/2024.
The Original Application was registered in suo-moto exercise of powers on the basis of the news item titled “Kasauli Distillery dumps effluent into water source, supply affected” appearing in Tribune dated December 15, 2023. As per the news item, Mohan Meakin Private Limited, Kasauli based plant has dumped effluents into a natural source of water in the Kasauli Kund as a result of which the water has got polluted and considering the possibility of causing disease by drinking effluent polluted water, the water supply from that source has been stopped.
The report further states that in the sample analysis the water was not found to be fit for human and cattle consumption. The NGT, January 9 observed that the news item raised substantial issues relating to compliance of the environment norms and directed notice to be issued to the Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board, Central Pollution Control Board, Deputy Commissioner/District Magistrate Solan among others.
The NGT directed a joint committee to carry out the spot inspection, ascertain the factual position of the spot, the extent of water pollution in the Kund/water source caused by the project proponent and the remedial measures. The committee has been asked to file the report one week before the next date of hearing, March 7, 2024.