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Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding levying of environmental compensation on Kisan Sahkari Chini Mills, Bagpat, Uttar Pradesh, 25/03/2022

  • 25/03/2022

Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of M/s Kisan Sahkari Chini Mills Ltd. Vs Member Secretary U.P. Pollution Control Board & Others dated 25/03/2022.

The matter related to levying of environmental compensation on 'polluter pays' principle to the extent of Rs. 15.2 lakhs for continued violation for 76 days from December 12, 2019 to February 26, 2020 on Kisan Sahkari Chini Mills, Bagpat, Uttar Pradesh.

The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board in its report, January 10, 2022 said that during inspection of the unit, it was found that effluent is received to ETP and only equalization tank, primary clarifier and aeration tank of ETP were in operation. Further, effluent drain to ETP is damaged at several places, due to this, overflow effluent is found stagnant near ETP.

The NGT noted that apart from other violations, the unit of Kisan Sahkari Chini Mills is causing serious water pollution. It has provided bypass drain at the inlet which is a serious offence under the Water Act. The parameters of the effluents are beyond prescribed norms and said that the stand of the unit that compensation has been assessed without any basis cannot be accepted.

The court directed the SPCB to take further coercive measures against the unit in the light of the violations found, including closure till compliance, prosecution and compensation.