NGT asks CPCB to finalise norms for checking pollution by dairies

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NGT has directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to conduct a study and finalise guidelines for checking pollution caused by dairies throughout the country.

Noting that livestock is a major source of methane emissions and the problem in India is severe, a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel asked the apex pollution monitoring body to furnish a report on it through e-mail before September 20.

"The local bodies in all the States and Union Territories be required to file inventory of dairies in their respective jurisdiction so that state pollution control board can compile such information in their respective reports furnished to CPCB," the bench said.

Globally, livestock sector generates 65 percent of human related nitrous oxide, which has 296 times the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of CO2. Most of this comes from manure, the NGT noted.

The National Green Tribunal also directed that performance guarantee of Rs 10 lakh imposed on Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and the municipal corporations be forfeited on account of failure of concerned authorities to perform their duties.

"The tribunal may consider further coercive measures, if the failure continues even on the next date," NGT said while posting the case for next hearing on September 20.

It noted that solid, liquid and gas waste is generated and dumped into the drains which meet the Yamuna.

"The waste clogged the drainage system which was becoming breeding ground for mosquitoes and other inspects and thus creating health hazard. Waste generated was also resulting in discharge of ammonia and nitrogen oxides in the air and nitrate in soil and ground water," it noted.

The tribunal also slammed the Delhi pollution Control Committee (DPCC) for not taking action against polluting dairy units.

"We find that in spite of observations in the earlier order of this tribunal as well as repeated orders in large number of cases, the DPCC seems to be avoiding its statutory responsibilities under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and to cover up their inaction, is passing the order of imposition of fines on other statutory bodies, without any jurisdiction.

"Counsel for the Delhi government as well as DPCC have not been able to show any legal authority for doing so. While the DPCC may take action on Polluter Pays' principle against polluting activities of any statutory body, it has no authority to recover compensation for alleged inaction by such statutory authorities," it noted.

It had earlier said that no dairy in Delhi was following waste management practices and there is a lack of sensitivity on the part of all the authorities.

The tribunal was hearing a plea filed by animal rights activist Nuggehalli Jayasimha seeking directions to penalise and shut down illegal dairy units in Delhi.

The plea had claimed that the unauthorised dairies were causing air and water pollution leading to sanitation and health problems for both the cattle and residents of the city.