NGT Seeks PCB Response On Application For Allowing Road Transportation Of Coal [Read Order]

The National Green Tribunal has asked the Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Board to respond to an application for allowing transportation of coal by road.

Earlier, the NGT had passed an order on August 28, 2018 accepting a suggestion of Expert Committee that coal for thermal power plants should be transported only by railway wagon or dedicated conveyor belt system and not by road so as to prevent severe dust pollution.

A review of this order was sought on the ground that preventing road transportation of coal will affect power generation. The application submitted that mitigation measures were put in place by the authorities to curb dust pollution.

The Tribunal noted that in the consent given to operate the plant, there was a condition that all internal roads should be pucca roads. However, there was no clarity on whether this condition imposed to regulate emission of particulate matter has been complied with.

Therefore, the CPCB and MPCB were directed to furnish report on compliance and respond to the prayer of the application.

The matter is next listed on July 19.

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