Singrauli pollution: Panel submits report to NGT

A committee set up by National Green Tribunal to inspect areas in Singrauli and Sonebhadra districts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, where coal mines and thermal plants are operating, has submitted its interim report on environment and health of the people.
A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar took the report on record and directed the parties to file their objections by the next date of hearing.
"Preliminary report by Central Pollution Control Board is taken on record. List the matter for further compliance and objection on December 18," the bench said.
On August 25, the tribunal had constituted a core committee for monitoring of potential hazards of industrial development in Singrauli area and five sub committees for quantification of industrial pollution and impact assessment of water, air, soil and health in and around Singrauli.

It had also directed that expenditure in conducting the inspection, survey and studies would be met by the respective state governments for the region and they may be permitted to recover it from the industrial units, thermal power and coal mines.
The tribunal was hearing a plea by advocate Ashwani Dubey opposing power projects in Singrauli and Sonebhadra districts alleging that pollution and serious ailments are being caused due to coal mining as well as emissions from thermal power stations.
He had also opposed grant of sanction for any new project or for expansion of existing units till an action plan for improving environmental quality of the areas is implemented.

The petition had also sought that existing power plants and other industries in the area be directed to install modern devices and equipment for controlling or minimising pollution they are allegedly causing.