"Be A Model Of Compliance With The Environmental Norms": NGT Asks Railways To take Remedial Measures Against Pollution [Read Order]

Considering the question for the remedial action against pollution at and around Railway Godown, Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh in the course of loading and unloading of cement, fertilizers and grains by trucks, polluting the air quality and causing respiratory problems, National Green Tribunal has directed the Railway Board in Shivansh Pandey v. State Of Uttar Pradesh to look into the matter, take appropriate action and apprise the Tribunal of the action taken within one month.

It has suggested Railway to consider in house mechanism to ascertain causing of pollution at and around its premises and taking remedial measures. Tribunal noted that being a public undertaking, it has to be a model of compliance with the environmental norms.

Tribunal had ordered Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) in March to furnish a factual and action is taken report on the matter. Tribunal noticed that UPPCB appears to have accepted the fact of pollution as it is stated in the report submitted to the Tribunal that UPPCB has issued direction to the Station Superintendent/Goods Superintendent, Railway siding, Ayodhya to construct a covered shed apart from undertaking sprinkling of water to contain the air pollution caused due to loading/unloading from goods trains at the railway siding. The report also notes the direction to Railway to do loading/unloading in a manner that the ambient air quality conforms to the standards laid down by the Board. The Regional Officer, UPPCB, Ayodhya has recommended legal action, including prosecution. The UPPCB has initiated such proceedings.

In view of the findings of the air pollution being caused, Tribunal asked UPPB to assess and recover compensation for the damage caused and the cost of restoration from the polluters on 'Polluter Pays' principle.

The matter has been listed for further consideration on 28th of August 2019. 

Click here to download the order