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Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
NGT imposes ₹39.3 lakh fine on distillery for environmental violations
Pune: The National Green Tribunal (NGT), western zone bench, has imposed a fine of ₹39.30 lakh on Nashik-based Karamveer Shankarrao Kale Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana Ltd ( Distillery Division) for violating environmental norms, including failure to dismantle a 'kaccha' lagoon and solar pits that led to the contamination of a local stream connected to the Godavari River. NGT imposes ₹ 39.3 lakh fine on distillery for environmental violations Additionally, the bench, comprising justice Dinesh Kumar Singh (judicial member) and Dr Vijay Kulkarni (expert member), has ordered Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth in Rahuri to conduct a six-month study to assess the impact of contaminated groundwater on local crops. The cost of the study will be borne by the distillery, the bench stated in its order. NGT gave the ruling on the case, which was filed in 2024 by local farmer Uttam Manohar Mokal against the distillery unit, on July 15. The order was uploaded on August 4. Mokal in his application complained about alleged environmental violations by the distillery in Kolgaon Mal village.. The case was supported by findings from a joint committee constituted by the NGT, which submitted that the unit had discharged highly concentrated effluents onto surrounding land in violation of environmental norms. The discharge, it said, had contaminated groundwater, making it unfit for human or animal consumption. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) had earlier issued directions to the distillery in April 2023 under Sections 33A of the Water Act and 31A of the Air Act, ordering the payment of ₹39.30 lakh as environmental compensation. However, the amount was not deposited by the unit, prompting the NGT to intervene and direct the distillery to pay within a month. The tribunal also specified that the compensation would be used for environmental restoration in the affected region.
Time of India
26-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Set up sewage treatment infra to save Ramnadi: NGT
Pune: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) bench in Pune has issued stringent directions to multiple authorities to tackle the pollution because of the release of sewage water in the Ramnadi, giving six months to set up proper drainage and waste water treatment systems via sewage treatment plants. The bench of Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh and expert member Vijay Kulkarni directed Bhugaon and Bhukum gram panchayats to establish proper drainage networks and waste water treatment via sewage treatment plants within six months to prevent domestic wastewater from flowing into the river. Similarly, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has been ordered to set up proper drainage networks for 23 newly merged villages and install STPs within the same timeframe. The tribunal's decision was based on a joint committee report that revealed extensive pollution in the 19.5-km-long Ramnadi, flowing from Khatpewadi in the Sahyadris to its confluence with the Mula river in Aundh. The committee found that villages along Ramnadi lacked proper drainage networks, domestic effluent from residential areas flew untreated into the river, the PMC's storm water lines were contaminated with domestic wastewater and two underground drainage lines from Bhugaon Gram Panchayat connected to Ramnadi were causing more river pollution. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Uncover The Latest 2025 SUV Prices List In The Philippines SUV Deals | Search Ads Search Now Undo You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune The PMC has been specifically directed to stop domestic wastewater flow through storm water lines within six months, ensuring that contaminated water doesn't reach Ramnadi through these channels. Bhugaon Gram Panchayat would have to immediately stop wastewater flow through underground drainage lines unless the water is treated through STPs or alternative systems. All authorities, comprising the PMC, PMRDA (Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority) and both gram panchayats, must prevent solid waste dumping on riverbanks and take penal action against violators, including filing FIRs. Lawyer and Bavdhan resident Krunnal Narayan Gharre had filed the case. He conducted his own survey using satellite imagery and identified 23 locations where sewage was being discharged into Ramnadi. His research revealed that a sewer line built perpendicular to the river flow had broken, likely because of monsoon damage and faulty design. The applicant had made multiple complaints to various authorities from December 2022, including the PMC and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), but saw little action. The tribunal noted that while PMRDA claimed to be only a planning authority, the Maharashtra Metropolitan Region Development Authority Act, 2016, made it responsible for executing development plans, including infrastructure like sewerage lines. About 8km of Ramnadi flows through PMC limits, while the remaining stretch falls under the PMRDA's jurisdiction, with Zilla Parishad and gram panchayats serving as executing bodies. The NGT observed that if pollution in Ramnadi was controlled through these measures, it would consequently reduce pollution in Pashan lake, which currently received contaminated water from the river. Gharre told TOI, "It could be treated as a landmark judgment because it brings into focus the statutory role of PMRDA — not just as a planning authority, but also as a local body responsible for execution and enforcement. Apart from major directives to set up sewage infrastructure in the 23 merged villages in PMC within six months, the order opens legal avenues to challenge the basic flaw of granting building permissions in the absence of basic infrastructure. "
Time of India
09-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Each sapling planted today will provide a greener future: NER
Gorakhpur: In a green initiative aimed at promoting environmental conservation, North Eastern Railway (NER) launched a large-scale plantation drive on Wednesday, under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The event was inaugurated by NER general manager Soumya Mathur at the Railway Golf Course here by planting a sapling. The campaign, symbolizing respect for motherhood and nature, witnessed participation from senior officials, including additional general manager Dinesh Kumar Singh, heads of departments, and other railway officers. Speaking on the occasion, GM Mathur emphasized the importance of nurturing the saplings, stating, "Each tree planted today in the name of our mothers will grow to provide a greener future and a healthier planet. It's our collective responsibility to care for these plants." She underlined the urgency of such efforts amidst the challenges posed by rising global temperatures and called for active public participation in greening the Earth. The campaign not only promotes ecological awareness but also serves as a heartfelt tribute to motherhood and the nurturing force of nature, she added.
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Time of India
384kg ganja worth Rs 96 lakh seized in UP: STF busts inter-state drug racket, 3 held in Sultanpur
LUCKNOW: The Special Task Force (STF) of Uttar Pradesh Police on Friday arrested three active members of a drug trafficking syndicate and recovered 384 kilograms of illegal ganja (cannabis) with an estimated international market value of Rs 96 lakh. The arrests were made in front of Bhadeiya Block, under the jurisdiction of Kotwali Dehat police station in Sultanpur district. According to STF officials, actionable intelligence was received over the past few weeks indicating that a syndicate operating across Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and other states was actively smuggling narcotics into Uttar Pradesh. Acting on these inputs, STF units were deployed for surveillance and information gathering under the supervision of Additional SP Dinesh Kumar Singh. On Friday, an STF team was patrolling in Sultanpur when they received a tip-off about a large consignment of ganja being transported from Odisha in a container truck concealed beneath paper rolls and en route to Bahraich. The STF, in coordination with the Circle Officer of Lambhua and local police, intercepted the truck and arrested the trio at Bhadeiya Block. ASP, STF, Dinesh Kumar Singh said that the arrested individuals were identified as Nomaan, who was driving the container truck used in the smuggling operation; Akram Khan, who handled logistics and support; and Ravi Mishra, the key conspirator and self-proclaimed leader of the drug trafficking syndicate. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This new crackdown will destroy local shops [Learn More] The Telegraph Learn More Undo The STF team recovered 384 kilograms of illegal ganja concealed in the vehicle, along with a container truck bearing registration number RJ11GB8224, three mobile phones, one Aadhaar card, one ATM card, and one driving licence during the operation. ASP Singh said that during interrogation, Ravi Mishra revealed that he leads an organised syndicate dealing in large-scale smuggling of ganja. His associate Rahul, based in Bahraich, coordinated with the truck driver Nomaan to load the cannabis from Sonepur, Odisha, concealing it between paper rolls meant for delivery in Delhi. The contraband was to be offloaded in Bahraich, while the legal cargo was to continue to Delhi. Nomaan, the driver, was to be paid ₹800 per kilogram for the transportation. A case under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act was registered at Kotwali Dehat police station, Sultanpur, and further legal proceedings are underway.
Hindustan Times
23-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
NGT stays ‘illegal' concrete plant near SGNP
Mumbai: The Pune bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Wednesday issued an order prohibiting J Kumar Infraprojects Ltd from operating its ready mix concrete (RMC) plant in Thane. The plant, located within the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), manufactures girders for various ongoing metro rail projects. NGT stays 'illegal' concrete plant near SGNP The bench of justices Dinesh Kumar Singh and Dr Vijay Kulkarni passed the order on a petition filed by Vanshakti, a Mumbai-based nonprofit, which alleged that the RMC plant was functioning illegally, without due permissions, and its operations were destroying the ecology around the Chene and Bhayander Pada villages. In the petition, Vanshakti claimed that over 27 plots in the two forested villages were affected due to the RMC plant. The top soil had been cleared illegally to set up the plant, cement sludge had been dumped on site, and dust emanated constantly from the casting yard of the plant, directly affecting the ecology of the ESZ contiguous to the SGNP, the petition alleged. Transportation of raw materials and cement using multi-axle vehicles, dumpers and trucks further spread dust in the area and affected various sensitive flora and fauna, it noted. The petition further alleged J Kumar Infraprojects Ltd did not have requisite permissions for the plant as the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) had failed to provide to Vanashakti copies of applications by the company to establish and operate the plant as well as site inspection reports. The nonprofit had sought these documents in June 2024 under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, but in July 2024, the MPCB reverted saying the documents were not available on record. The chief conservator of forests and the director of SGNP told the NGT bench via affidavits that the RMC plant was indeed located in the ESZ of the national park. The SGNP's ESZ monitoring committee had inquired via a letter to J Kumar Infraprojects dated January 30, 2025 if the plant had the relevant permissions, the chief conservator of forests said in his affidavit. The committee was also contemplating action on the company under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the affidavit mentioned. Advocate Zaman Ali, appearing for Vanshakti, sought a prohibitory order from the tribunal against the company. The tribunal, after hearing both sides, issued an interim order restricting the company from operating the RMC plant. It will adjudicate on the alleged illegality of the plant in due course. HT reached out to J Kumar Infraprojects' spokesperson for comments on the development, but there was no response from the company.
