NGT raps Punjab over non-compliance on fuel policy in steel hub
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Chandigarh: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has criticised Punjab govt for failing to implement its own fuel policy in Mandi Gobindgarh, where coal-fired furnaces continue to operate in violation of environmental norms.
The tribunal directed the chief secretary of Punjab to appear virtually and assist the tribunal at the next hearing, scheduled for Sept 1.
The issue relates to the continued use of coal, pet coke, and furnace oil by industrial units in Mandi Gobindgarh, despite directives from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the framing of a fuel policy by the Punjab govt on Oct 4, 2023, which was not made effective. These furnaces are associated with industries like recycled steel production, ceramics/refractories, cupola furnaces, and rolling mills.
The tribunal, in its earlier order dated March 27, recorded the assurance of the advocate general of Punjab that a comprehensive response would be filed within four weeks. However, no such response was filed.
Taking serious note of this non-compliance, the bench comprising Prakash Shrivastava, Sudhir Agarwal, and Dr A Senthil Vel observed that neither was the promised response submitted nor was the advocate general present at the latest hearing.
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As a result, the tribunal stated it had "no option", but to direct the chief secretary to appear virtually to ensure compliance.
After the tribunal criticised the PPCB for its absence in the previous hearing, terming it "unfortunate" given the seriousness of the matter, the chairperson of PPCB, Reena Gupta, appeared virtually and informed the tribunal that she recently took charge and assured that in future, effective assistance will be rendered by the advocate of the PPCB in all matters.
PPCB's counsel informed the tribunal that a reply was filed on July 21 after 3pm and therefore had not yet appeared in the case record.
The tribunal directed that copies be shared with all parties, who have been granted two weeks to respond.
The CPCB, which previously sought four weeks to file its response on the implementation of directions under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, also failed to comply.
The counsel requested an additional two weeks to file a comprehensive report on the fuel policy status adopted by various states, including Punjab. The tribunal has listed the matter for further hearing on Sept 1.
INDUSTRY RAISES CONCERNS
Despite sustained efforts by the authorities to promote the use of piped natural gas (PNG) in industrial operations, refractory units have raised serious concerns, citing technical limitations. Industry representatives argue that PNG is not suitable for high-temperature manufacturing processes required in refractory production and have urged the govt to allow the use of pet coke, under stringent pollution control measures.
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