Green Tribunal seeks plan to check pollution in Noida

The National Green Tribunal on Tuesday directed the Ministry of Environment and Forest to submit a “specific action plan” for controlling pollution in Noida. 

The tribunal asked the MoEF, Central Pollution Control Board and UP government to file their replies by July 3 to a petition seeking ban on starting industrial units in “critically-polluted” Noida.

The petition said no new units should be set up until environment quality is improved through a remedial action plan.

“The MoEF counsel is directed to provide specific action plan for Noida and also indicate the status of the plan,” said a bench headed by tribunal chairperson Justice A S Naidu.

On April 11, the bench had ordered that no fresh environmental clearance would be granted for new industrial units or for expansion of any operating industry in Noida without its consent.

The Noida Entrepreneurs Association has also moved the tribunal, saying it is a “necessary party” to the case. 

Industries ‘object’

It sought to be impleaded in the case saying the April 11 order has a “direct effect” on industrial units and members of the association.

“A prayer has been made on behalf of Noida Entrepreneur Association to be impleaded as a party to the present application.

Let a regular application be filed so that the same can be considered,” said the bench, also comprising G K Pandey as an expert member.

The association wants to ensure that non-polluting units do not suffer from the order, said advocate Amit Khemka, appearing for the association.