NGT refuses to shut down sugarcane-crushing units in UP

The National Green Tribunal has refused to stay operation of 'kolhu' units, used for crushing of sugarcane for manufacturing sugar, in Uttar Pradesh on a plea alleging these "unregulated" units were major contributors to air and water pollution in the area.
Sugarcane is processed in 'kolhu' crushers which is drawn by bullocks or any other animal engaged in the crushing of cane for manufacturing of sugar.
A bench headed by Justice U D Salvi said there was no information available with the Central Pollution Control Board and state pollution control board about the quantum of pollution caused by these units.

"Counsel appearing for the applicant seeks closure of kolhus operating in the state of Uttar Pradesh on the ground that norms for their operation have contributing to the pollution in terms of hazardous gases like carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2).
"Neither there is any study as regards the contribution to the pollution by a single kolhu carried out by the applicant before us. We, therefore, cannot rush to any conclusion at this stage. Hence rejected," the bench said while refusing to grant interim relief to the petitioner.
The matter is listed for next hearing on December 22.

The order came while hearing a plea filed by advocate Anil Kumar seeking closure of kolhu crushers operating in the western and central part of the state on the ground that they emit toxic gases like CO and CO2 causing air pollution.

"There are approximately 5,000 kolhus functioning in western and central Uttar Pradesh which work on an average of 180 days in a season. In one season around 900 lakh quintals of sugarcane are crushed by kolhus which burn around 225 lakh quintals. Of fuel at a temperature of 180 degree celsius generating around 787 lakh quintals. Of fuel gas (mass) this in turn generates 3.82 lakh quintals of ash per season," the plea said.
The plea, filed through advocate Nishant Gautam, sought directions to conduct environmental impact assessment study relating to the operations of kolhus and their impact on the environment due to non-compliance of pollution laws.

"The fuel gases emitted from kolhu crushers are emitted at very low height and at a very high temperature and comprises large quantities of hazardous gases like CO and CO2 etc.
"In addition to these gases, due to burning of rubber and its allied products in kolhus, dioxins, chlorines etc. Are also emitted in huge quantities and these are very harmful to humans. The hazardous gases emitted from kolhus are at ground level which results in increase of suspended particulate matter levels in the atmosphere" it said.