Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding air pollution in Ambapada and Mahul, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 30/06/2020
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Charudatt Koli Vs M/s Sea Lord Containers Ltd. dated 30/06/2020. The issue for consideration was the remedial steps to be taken for control of air pollution in the outskirts of Mumbai, at and around villages Ambapada and Mahul. The major contributors to the air pollution are said to be the logistic services, storing oil, gas and chemical items, as well as oil companies releasing emissions. The emissions include Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) on account of loading, storage and unloading operations of hazardous chemicals at various stages.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) filed a report on March 18, 2020, which assessed the value of the damage to the environment and public health and the proportion in which the amount should be recovered from the identified contributors. The court went through the report as well as the application of the applicants seeking compensation of Rs. 1.5 crore. Also, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and Aegis Logistics Limited had raised objections to the CPCB report as to quantum of VOCs emitted and seeking directions to the CPCB to disclose the basis of its assessment of quantum of VOCs, which according to the said respondents was unjustified.
The NGT directed the CPCB to provide the basis of calculation of quantum of emissions by July 13, 2020.