NGT seeks UP's response on plea to halt construction of plant

The National Green Tribunal today sought response from the UP government on a plea seeking stay on construction of Solid Waste Management Plant (SWMP) in Meerpur Hindu village in Ghaziabad.
A bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swantanter Kumar issued notice to UP government, UP Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) and others on a plea filed by residents of 14 villages in Ghaziabad.
"Notice be issued to the respondents by registered post acknowledgement due and Dasti as well. Notice returnable on November 25," the bench said.
The plea, filed through advocate V Madhukar, claims that the construction of the waste management plant will cause groundwater pollution and would wreak havoc on the habitat and ecology in the adjoining areas.

"The primary source of livelihood of the residents of the village is agriculture and any contamination of irrigation water will lead to catastrophic results for the health and safety of the residents," the plea said.
It also claimed that the gaseous pollutants such as methane, ammonia and hydrogen sulphide in the air surrounding the waste treatment and disposal facilities will make the living conditions around the plant unbearable and hazardous.
Contending that right to a clean and healthy environment is a fundamental right, the petition submitted that due to the largescale air and water pollution, the local population would be at the risk of developing a large number of diseases.

"Restrain the respondents from establishing the 'Solid Waste Management Plant' over the land of Gram Panchayat Meerpur Hindu, Pargana and Tehsil Loni, district Ghaziabad," the plea said.