National Green Tribunal Directs Monitoring Committee To Look Into Alleged Violation Of Environmental Norms By Dyeing Units In Delhi

The principal bench of National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Monitoring Committee to look into the alleged violation of environmental norms by dyeing factories units in Bindapur, Matiala, Ranhola, Khyala, Meethapur, Badarpur, Mukundpur and Kirar in Delhi.

It was alleged that over 500 dyeing factories are operating without the consent or NOC.

The bench of Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel, Justice Sudhir Agarwal,Dr. A. Senthil Vel said, “the Monitoring Committee appointed by Supreme Court may look into the matter in coordination with other concerned authorities, including the CPCB and DPCC.”

It has also been directed to CPCB and DPCC to file an action taken report regarding the compliance status of the 21 units mentioned in the application.

The Court was hearing the application filed by Varun Gulati, who alleged that more than 500 dyeing factories are operating and discharging effluents in open areas, Nazafgarh drain, or Swaroop Nagar Drain, which then flow into and meet the River Yamuna.

Effluents are highly toxic, carcinogenic and hazardous to the health of the people residing nearby, he added.

The applicant further highlighted that dangerous diseases like asthma, cerebrovascular diseases, lung diseases are caused by the discharged effluents.

The Tribunal noted that the Supreme Court has laid down a Monitoring mechanism in M.C Mehta v. UoI & Ors, 2004 in which the Apex Court had said:

“We appoint a Monitoring Committee comprising: (i) Chief Secretary of Delhi, (ii) Commissioner of Police, Delhi, (iii) Commissioner, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, and (iv) Vice- Chairman of the Delhi Development Authority. This Committee would be responsible for stoppage of illegal industrial activity. It would, however, be open to the aforesaid members of the Monitoring Committee. to appoint responsible officers subordinate to them to oversee and ensure compliance with the directions contained in the judgment.”

In light of the above the Tribunal directed the committee to look into the matter.

It has also directed a joint action taken report of CPCB and DPCC to mention consent status, compliance status with reference to disposal of effluents into drain and its quality, location of these units in non-conforming area and proposed remedial actions within three months.

The matter is listed to October 4, for further consideration.

Case Title: Varun Gulati v. Govt. of NCT of Delhi & Ors.

Advocate Mansi Chahal appeared for Applicant

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