No new industries in UP, MP without proper clearance: NGT

The National Green Tribunal today issued directions to authorities that no new industry be set up in Singrauli district of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh's Sonebhadra district without requisite consent and clearances.
A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar sought responses of the Centre and the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh by March 3 on a plea opposing establishment of new units as well as expansion of existing ones in the two districts.
"Notice. Returnable on March 3. In the meanwhile, in the districts of Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh and Sonebhadra, Uttar Pradesh no fresh industry would be permitted to establish and operate unless they have obtained the environmental clearance, consent to establish and operate from the competent authority as may be applicable to the respective units and in accordance with law," the bench said.

The tribunal's order came on a plea, by people residing there, alleging that industrial and mining activities in the two districts have resulted in pollution of air and water of the area and health problems, like cancer, bone deformity and respiratory diseases.
The petition also alleges that the industrial activities have resulted in displacement of people, causing loss of livelihood.
The plea, filed through advocate M C Mehta, submitted that according to a survey conducted by Central Pollution Control Board and IIT-Delhi, Singrauli was found to be the ninth highest among 88 highly polluted industrial blocks in the country.
According to the petition, some of the major industries operating in the two districts include Hindalco Industries, Northern Coal Fields Ltd, Renu Sagar Thermal Power Plant, Shaktinagar Super Thermal Power Plant (STPP) and Rihand STPP.

The bench informed Mehta that in another similar matter pertaining to Singrauli and Sonebhadra, the tribunal has already set up a panel to inspect industrial activities there and their impact on environment and public health.