NGT forms committee to inspect glass units in Firozabad

The National Green Tribunal today constituted a committee to inspect the glass industries of Firozabad district in Uttar Pradesh and collect samples of ambient air quality in the area.
A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar constituted the committee comprising officials from Central Pollution Control Board, Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) and a senior official from Taj Trapezium Zone area.
The green panel directed that if the air samples are found to be polluting then UPPCB shall act against units causing pollution in accordance with law on the basis of joint inspection report.
It also ordered the inspection team to analyse the cause of air pollution and suggest preventive and remedial measures for the same.

The tribunal was hearing a plea filed by NGO Social Action for Forest and Environment (SAFE) seeking action against "illegal" operation of 60 glass industries which were allegedly operating without the consent of pollution board.
During the hearing, UPPCB told the bench that all 60 glass industries have been granted consent to operate and were not causing any air pollution as they were using natural gas for firing the kilns.

This was, however, opposed by advocate Rahul Choudhary, appearing for the NGO, who said that combustion of natural gas leads to release of nitric oxide which reacts with ammonia, moisture and other compounds to form small particulate matter.

The bench after noting the submissions of UPPCB disposed of the plea.
Earlier, the tribunal had issued notice to the Uttar Pradesh government, Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, CPCB and UPPCB on the NGO's plea seeking closure of glass factories operating without consent.