NGT Sends Notice to Odisha Authorities Regarding Environmental Breaches
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Synopsis
The National Green Tribunal issued a notice to Odisha's government and pollution control board over allegations of environmental pollution by a private stainless steel manufacturer. The tribunal called for responses and formed a committee to investigate the claims.
Key Takeaways
- NGT issues notice to Odisha government and SPCB.
- Allegations of pollution by a stainless steel company.
- Fact-finding committee established for investigation.
- Company accused of violating multiple environmental regulations.
- Unlawful extraction of water and improper waste management.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 11 (NationPress) The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a notice to the Odisha government, Odisha State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), and other parties, requesting a response regarding accusations of environmental pollution linked to a private firm involved in the production of various stainless steel products.
This directive from the NGT arose during the consideration of a petition lodged by Harihar Samal from Dhenkanal district and Rajib Gopal Swain from Angul district.
The authorities have been instructed to provide their responses within four weeks from the date they receive the order.
Additionally, the tribunal has formed a fact-finding committee that includes senior scientists from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB).
The District Collector of Dhenkanal or a representative not below the rank of Additional District Magistrate will also be a member of this committee.
The petitioners have claimed that the company's manufacturing facility located in Dhenkanal is allegedly contributing to air pollution and is discharging untreated water into the Kisindah Nallah, which is a breach of the conditions set forth in the Consent to Operate guidelines and the directives of the CPCB.
It is important to note that the steel plant reportedly received its Consent to Operate certificate from the State Pollution Control Board on March 31, 2023. Allegations suggest that the plant is failing to properly collect and treat wastewater, instead releasing it directly into the Kisindah Nallah. Moreover, the facility is reportedly dumping solid waste outside its premises and along the road used by the residents of Kurunti.
The petition reads, “The unit has not activated the online monitoring system for Stack Emission and Waste Water Discharge to the centralized server of OSPCB and CPCB. Furthermore, it has not secured authorization under the Hazardous Waste Management and Handling Rules.”
On Monday, the petitioner's attorney, Sankar Pani, argued that the company has also unlawfully acquired forest land, violating the guidelines of the VAN (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam 2023.
He further stated that the unit has only installed two Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (AAQMS) as opposed to the required four. It is also claimed that neither of the installed AAQMS is operational. Additionally, the company is accused of illegally drawing water from the Kisindah Nullah without the necessary permits from the relevant authorities.
