NGT orders action against ceramic units running without consent

Tribunal also directs UP pollution board to submit list of such factories in Khurja, Bulandshehar district

The National Green Tribunal has directed Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) to take action against ceramic factories allegedly operating without consent and not adhering to mandatory pollution norms in Uttar Pradesh's Khurja city.

A bench headed by Justice U D Salvi also directed UPPCB and its regional officer to submit list of such industries which have been operating in Khurja without obtaining consent and the action taken against such industries.

"Our attention is drawn to the contribution of pollution made by the ceramic industries running without consent to operate to the environment in and around Khurja, district Bulandshehar, Uttar Pradesh.

"Let UPPCB take action against the ceramic industries operating in Khurja, without obtaining consent to operate in accordance with law," the bench said.

The matter is listed for next hearing on July 1.

Home to more than 500 ceramic factories, Khurja city is located in Bulandshahar district of Uttar Pradesh.

Earlier, the Tribunal had issued notice to UP government, UPPCB and others on a plea of an NGO Jai Hind seeking directions to UP government to place on record all the relevant materials and documents relating to the steps taking by them to regulate air pollution in Khurja.

The plea, filed through advocate Gaurav Bansal, claims that major environmental problems like air pollution and mismanagement of solid waste have arisen due to the pottery industries in Khurja.

"There are several ceramic industries established and operating in Khurja without any previous Consent to Establish (CTE) or Consent to Operate (CTO) from UPPCB.

"Hence are violating various provisions of Environment Protection Act and Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981," it said.

The NGO has also alleged that cases of respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis are being reported which is due to the air pollution caused predominantly by the burning of coal in kilns in the area.