"We find that the situation of air ambience, environment as well as pollution of ground water of Ghaziabad is very much alarming and the Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index (CEPI) is more than 70 per cent and situation is very critical and may pose serious health implications," a bench of Acting NGT Chairperson Justice A S Naidu and member G K Pandey said.
The bench made the observation while referring to an affidavit submitted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) indicating and specifying current environmental position in Ghaziabad.
It also said that without its approval the authorities shall also not permit expansion of those industries which have been categorised as 'Red' and 'Orange' units and are source of pollution.
Industries are categorised as Red, Orange or Green on the basis of their decreasing order of severity of pollution.
"Considering the facts and circumstances, we feel that to protect the environment as well as local inhabitants, it would be just and proper to pass an interim order directing the authorities not to extend the order of operation so far as polluting industries are concerned which are causing pollution after their 'Consent to Operate' comes to an end.
"Authorities shall not grant any permission to set up new industries or expansion of the existing ones which are categorised as Red and Orange units and are source of pollution without prior approval of NGT," it said, fixing the matter for further hearing on December 12.
The tribunal has directed the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) to file a detailed affidavit indicating "current Environmental Compliance Status of units located in all Industrial Estates and the pollution level of ground water as well as the air ambience". (MORE)
