JOIN USPolluting units in Ghaziabad face heat
Worried over the critical state of environmental conditions in Ghaziabad, the National Green Tribunal has directed Uttar Pradesh authorities not to allow setting up of any industry there without its approval.
“We find that the situation of air ambience, environment as well as pollution of groundwater in Ghaziabad is alarming, and the ‘comprehensive environmental pollution index’ (CEPI) is more than 70 per cent,” said a Bench of Acting NGT chairperson Justice A S Naidu and member G K Pandey.
“The situation is very critical and may pose serious health implications,” said the Bench.
The tribunal made the observation while referring to an affidavit submitted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), indicating and specifying current environmental position in Ghaziabad.
The tribunal also said that without its approval authorities cannot permit expansion of those industries that have been categorised as ‘red’ and ‘orange’ units — sources 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 will 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,” the tribunal said.
The tribunal fixed the matter for further hearing on December 12. It directed the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board to file a detailed affidavit indicating “current environmental compliance status of units located in all industrial estates, and the pollution level of groundwater and air ambience.”