NGT orders action against polluting industrial units in east Delhi

The National Green Tribunal has taken note of polluting industrial units operating in residential areas of Shastri Nagar here and asked the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to take action against all such entities operating without consent.

A bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel said there was material on record which "prima facie" indicates violation of law which needs to be looked into by the DPCC and the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC).

The green panel noted that various units like bakeries, welding shops and slaughter houses were functioning in residential areas without proper permission.

"The DPCC may look into the questions whether the illegal activities pointed out by the applicant require any consent to operate and whether such consent has been obtained.

 

"It may also be examined as to which category the activities fall as per the categorisation and siting policy published by the DPCC in terms of the latest guidelines on the subject issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and whether such activities are permissible in residential or municipal areas," the bench said.

The tribunal made it clear that if there was

non-compliance of its order, it would take coercive measures in terms of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 against the authorities concerned.

It asked the CBCP to send a compliance report to the tribunal after three months by e-mail and posted the matter for hearing on December 4.

The order came while hearing a plea filed by city resident Kulwant Singh, who alleged that illegal and polluting activities were being carried out by bakeries, welding shops and slaughter houses in residential areas in New Lahore Colony in Shastri Nagar in violation of provisions of the Rule 3 of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986.

The plea, filed through advocate Ruchira Goel, claimed that despite the statement made by MCD (East) commissioner, necessary action had not been taken by the DPCC and EDMC.