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Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding illegal units operating in Hindon Vihar, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 17/03/2021

  • 17/03/2021

Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Tahir Vs State of Uttar Pradesh dated 17/03/2021.

A report was sought from District Magistrate, Ghaziabad and Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) with reference to the allegation of unscientific recycling of hazardous chemicals by Sameer Enterprises at Khasra No. 39, Gali No. 3, Hindon Vihar, near Shyam Dharmkata, Meerut road, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.

The UPPCB report of December 21, 2019 stated that not only the unit in question but there were many units which were found to be operating illegally in Hindon Vihar, Ghaziabad.

The joint inspection team in its report has said that during survey of Hindon Vihar area, it was observed by joint team that mostly premises are being used as godowns/ temporary storage of iron scrap/ plastic drum/scrap/ non polluting fabrication units. Some air polluting small units such as plastic waste recycling were found operational and have been closed. 

The report further showed that there were air polluting units such as plastic waste recycling were operational in the garb of godowns.

The NGT in its order, March 17, 2021 said that non-polluting activities which have been allowed in Hindon Vihar, could become safety hazards in residential areas and it should not be allowed.

Further, the problem of unscientific recycling of hazardous chemicals in residential areas needs to be continuously kept under surveillance in the interest of environment and public health. Accordingly, the court directed that continuous vigil has to be maintained by the District Administration, Nagar Nigam, Ghaziabad and UPPCB by evolving an effective monitoring mechanism to tackle the menace.

Norms for siting of industries in residential areas as per Master Plan or any other guidelines must be followed. Further, in terms of Rule 9 of Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management & Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016, minimum production capacity of recycling industries should be specified by the State PCB in consultation with the CPCB.