BATHINDA: Taking strong note of health concerns raised in petition, allegations Chemical Dyes Manufacturers in Amritsar Amar Color Chemicals Ltd., India, for illegally releasing toxic gases/smoke and discharging hazardous waste water in domestic sewers in an unscientific manner, National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed an interim fine of Rs 1 crore on the unit and directed punjab pollution control board (PSPCB) to take punitive action and initiate criminal proceedings under environmental law Within two months.
The NGT bench, comprising Chairman Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Judicial Member Justice Sudhir Agarwal, Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and Expert Member Afroz Ahmad, also expressed strong disapproval of the PSPCB for ignoring blatant irregularities. polluting industries In Punjab.
The NGT issued the order on Friday while entertaining a petition from the Public Action Committee (PAC), which identifies and raises its voice against the spread of pollution and water contamination at appropriate platforms. The PAC has also filed a petition in the NGT over the pollution issue at a brewery near Zira.
Talking about the behavior of polluting companies and the PSPCB, the judgment said, “Polluting companies continue to violate environmental laws, and despite the respondent’s frequent, repeated and blatant violations, the PSPCB has not taken appropriate action against it.”
The bench further observed, “Since the polluting companies are operating their industrial facilities in violation of environmental laws and norms, by applying the precautionary principle of anticipation, closure of the units can be ordered until all the irregularities are removed.” According to Section 2 of the NGT Act, 2010 20 items.
The judge said, “The regulator must initiate criminal proceedings and lodge criminal complaints under the provisions of the Water Act 1974, the Air Act 1981 and the Environmental Protection Act 1986 for past offenses as well as continuing offenses. “
Talking about the “polluter pays principle”, the members said, “We believe it is appropriate to levy interim environmental compensation of Rs 1 crore for the years 2022-23 and 2023-24. The final compensation will be paid by the PSPCB including the respondents It will be determined within 3 months after collecting relevant information from all relevant stakeholders.
PAC members Kapil Dev and Jaskirat Singh said, “Polluters in Punjab can no longer evade the law.” The committee also constituted a high-level committee consisting of regional director, MoEF&CC, Chandigarh, CPCB and PSPCB.
As the nodal agency for coordination and compliance, CPCB conducts visits and inspections of industrial sites, finds violations of environmental laws and norms, reports them to the PSPCB Member Secretary, and then takes appropriate action to shut down the industry.
