Pollution of Buddha Nullah: NGT focuses on CETP role
National Green Tribunal
(
NGT
) has finally issued joint orders in petitions filed by different persons related to
pollution
in the Buddha Nullah. The Tribunal ordered Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) to place on record full details of environmental compensation calculated and the status of its recovery from dyeing unit associations running common effluent treatment plants (CETPs).
PPCB shared that it had imposed environmental compensation on defaulters and initiated action against them.
According to the PPCB, it imposed Rs 2.49 crore EC on the 50 MLD CETP on Tajpur Road. Besides, Rs 2.96 crore EC, and Rs 75 lakh bank guarantee was encashed from the 40 MLD CETP on Tajpur Road. It also imposed Rs 4.5 crore EC on the 15 MLD CETP on Bahadur K Road.
The PPCB counsel submitted that a comprehensive remediation plan was being prepared, for which IIT Ropar had been taken on board.
Counsel for the state of Punjab also submitted that a high-power committee had been constituted by the govt to oversee and implement a comprehensive solution for rejuvenation and pollution control of Buddha Nullah. The Tribunal was informed that the committee would meet at least once every month or as often as needed.
It is empowered to co-opt domain experts and invite relevant technical institutions. All departments would extend full cooperation in the implementation of decisions taken by the committee, which would develop a comprehensive short and long-term action plan for cleaning and rejuvenation of Buddha Nullah.
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The committee will also monitor and fast-track current and future priority infrastructure such as compressed biogas (CBG) plants, pumping stations, sewage treatment plant, and common effluent treatment plant, etc. Besides launching new initiatives and projects for rejuvenation of the drain, the committee will engage with regulatory agencies such as PPCB, CPCB, and NGT as needed to ensure alignment between regulations/directives and the on-ground action plan.
It will also conduct studies and scientific assessment where required to design a solution.
The NGT orders
The Tribunal pointed out in its order that the committee did not have representation from the PPCB and secretary, environment, department of state, who is also accountable for complying with the order of the Supreme Court on liquid waste management (sewage).
The NGT pointed out that while the name of the Tribunal was included in the functions of the committee, the reason for such inclusion was not clear.
Counsel for PPCB submitted that the timeline for the actionable plan provided by IIT Ropar, along with details of the plan, would be placed on record within one week.
The counsel appearing for the ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEFCC), referring to the reply affidavit, submitted that MoEFCC was in the process of giving a hearing to all the parties concerned. She submitted that the two main associations included the Punjab Dyers Association, and Bahadur Ke Textiles and Knitwear Association.
She also submitted that show cause notices had been issued to both in respect of three CETPs functioning in the area, and replies to the notices had been received.
She added that the issue was under the consideration of MoEFCC.
Pointing out violations of environmental clearance conditions by the CETPs, she said that M/s Bahadur Ke Textile and Knitwear Association was granted environment compensation to set up 15 MLD CETP on December 8, 2014, with the condition that the proponent would maintain zero discharge.
However, she said that 15 MLD treated water was being continuously discharged into the Buddha Nullah.
She said that no separate EC had been granted for both 40 MLD and 50 MLD CETPs. At present, there is no consent for operation from the Punjab Pollution Control Board.
Environment compensation has also been imposed by the Punjab Pollution Control Board for violation of the provisions of environmental laws. None of the EC conditions are being followed by both the 40 and 50 MLD units, which have been continuously dispatching 40 and 50 MLD treated waste water into the Buddha Nullah.
A few area residents present in the Tribunal raised a grievance against the operation of the CETPs without compliance with norms and consequential problems faced by them. MoEFCC may consider giving an opportunity of hearing to representatives of residents in the process of taking a decision. The counsel said that the process would be completed within two months.
The MoEFCC has been directed to file a progress report/compliance affidavit at least one week before the next date of hearing.
Three execution applications have been filed by Public Action Commitee (PAC) seeking compliance with the order of the Tribunal on December 9, 2024. The next date of the hearing is October 7.
Boxes
NGT observation
The Tribunal pointed out in its order that the committee did not have representation from the PPCB and secretary, environment, department of state, who is also accountable for complying with the order of the Supreme Court on liquid waste management (sewage)
PPCB stance
PPCB said that it imposed Rs 2.49 crore EC on the 50 MLD CETP on Tajpur Road. Besides, Rs 2.96 crore EC, and Rs 75 lakh bank guarantee was encashed from the 40 MLD CETP on Tajpur Road
It also imposed Rs 4.5 crore EC on the 15 MLD CETP on Bahadur K Road
A comprehensive remediation plan was being prepared, for which IIT Ropar had been taken on board
State govt position
Counsel for the state of Punjab also submitted that a high-power committee had been constituted by the govt to oversee and implement a comprehensive solution for rejuvenation and pollution control of Buddha Nullah
MoEFCC report on CETPs:
- No online monitoring of influents or effluents
- No MoUs between CETPs and member industries regulating flow and quality
- Effluent transported without CETP tankers, manifest system, or GPS tracking
- Hazardous waste generated but no authorisation obtained
- No functional environmental management cells or green belt development
- No compliance reporting, either to MoEFCC or the Pollution Control Board
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