NGT orders re-inspection of Coke's UP plant

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered re-inspection into the premises of beverages major Coca-Cola’s Hapur plant in Uttar Pradesh to investigate whether it was discharging effluents into a nearby pond.

The green panel directed officials from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board to inspect the plant after going through the report of a court commissioner which found “openings” and “leakages” at a few spots in the boundary wall of the plant.

“The local commissioner’s report brings forth certain facts with respect to openings in the side wall particularly as regards to the recently closed and plastered openings in the side wall and leakages at a few spots,” a bench headed by Justice U D Salvi said.  “This calls for further investigation to arrive at the necessary conclusions for resolution of present controversy.”

They, therefore, directed that team of officials, accompanied by additional director of CPCB should visit factory premises, collect soil samples from five locations, the bench added.

On the last day of hearing, the tribunal had appointed an advocate as commissioner to inspect premises of the beverages major after a plea alleged that the plant was releasing untreated effluents into the pond, situated on the back side of the factory area — UPSIIDC Wide Park Land.

The green panel had directed Coca-Cola to pay Rs 20,000 as fees to the court commissioner and to videograph of the work done, and file his report.

The counsel, appearing for Coca-Cola, had refuted the claims and asked the tribunal to appoint local commissioner to inspect the site in question and submit correct facts with regard to the boundary wall of the company.

The tribunal had issued notice to the company last year after finding "alarming facts" in an inspection report of Central Pollution Control Board.

The green panel had also directed Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd (HCCBPL) to submit a drainage map of its plant in Hapur district giving details of sewage and trade effluents generated from the factory.

The Tribunal was hearing a plea by one Sanjay Kumar seeking restraint on the alleged illegal discharge of untreated waste water into the pond situated behind the Hindustan Coca Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd's plant in Hapur.