Latest news with #PrakashShrivastava
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
NGT raps Punjab over non-compliance on fuel policy in steel hub
1 2 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo 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.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
NGT issues notices on alleged plastic waste violations by tobacco brands
The National Green Tribunal ( NGT ) issued notice on a plea from The Citizens Foundation, which alleges widespread non-compliance with the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, by manufacturers of gutkha, pan masala, and tobacco products. The petition claims that banned plastic packaging materials are still being used and calls for strict enforcement of existing regulations. This includes the closure of units violating the rules and the recovery of environmental compensation. A judicial bench led by Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Member Dr. A. Senthil Vel has issued notices to relevant authorities, including the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), seeking their responses. Counsel for the petitioner pointed out that, despite the CPCB's earlier directives, issued on October 22, 2021, under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to 25 manufacturers to halt operations unless they adopted eco-friendly packaging, these directives remain unimplemented. The CPCB had instructed the defaulting companies to submit a timeline for switching to sustainable materials and to pay Environmental Compensation (EC) with interest for any delays. The plea highlights violations of Rules 4(f) and 4(i) of the 2016 Rules, which prohibit the use of plastic sachets and specific polymers in packaging gutkha and related products. CPCB's previous reports suggested that such non-compliance could result in stern penalties, including seizure of goods, shutting down of factories, and levies of Rs 5,000 per ton of plastic used. Repeat offences could attract additional fines of up to Rs 20,000 per ton. The applicant also cited a CPCB report from January 2021, which outlines enforcement under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regime. According to this, delayed EC payments could be penalised with annual interest ranging from 12 per cent to 24 per cent. Delays exceeding three months could lead to factory closures and criminal prosecution under Section 15(1) of the Environment Protection Act. Recognising the gravity of the environmental concerns raised, the NGT has scheduled the next hearing for September 26, 2025. The applicant must serve notices on the remaining respondents and file an affidavit of service one week prior to the scheduled date, as stated by the Tribunal.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
NGT seeks clarification from MCD on waste management at Ghazipur landfill
New Delhi: After the Municipal Corporation of Delhi shared its plan to clear the Ghazipur landfill by 2028, the National Green Tribunal has asked for clarity on lapses in waste management, the waste-to-energy (WTE) plant there and leachate management, saying the untreated waste was adding to the legacy waste at Ghazipur. While pointing out that the operational capacity of the WTE plant was 800-850 tonnes per day, NGT asked the civic body to explain how 700-1,000 tonnes were reaching Ghazipur WTE. "MCD needs to disclose the plant's actual capacity and consented utilisation, along with the supporting materials such as daily electricity generated by it and the details of its utilisation/feeding into the central grid," the tribunal said. Commenting on MCD's report on its plan to clear the Ghazipur landfill by 2028, a bench headed by justice Prakash Shrivastava said in an order dated July 10, "Though the dump site receives waste in the range of 2,400–2,600 tonnes per day, it is presently processing a much lesser quantity. Therefore, the untreated waste is adding to the legacy waste. The WTE plant in Ghazipur is presently utilising only 7,00-1,000 tonnes of waste daily. The waste, which was going to the WTE plant at Okhla till April 2025, has stopped. The gap in the receipt and treatment of the solid waste is reflected, yet without disclosing the details of filling this gap and the steps that will be taken to clear the legacy waste, the targeted timeline for complete clearance is stated to be 2028." You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi MCD told NGT that a 5-acre area was partly cleared by Sept 2024. "MCD is required to disclose how this five-acre area has been cleared when there is a regular addition to the legacy waste on account of the gap in waste processing. It is also required to disclose the quantum of waste that is presently lying in the Ghazipur site as legacy waste," said NGT. The tribunal observed that MCD stated that through bio-mining using trommels, more than 10,000 tonnes of waste were being processed and disposed of at the landfill. "MCD is required to provide full details of the resources available for the bio-mining, their utilisation along with supporting material, as well as the manner of disposal of the bio-mined waste/material in quantifiable terms," NGT directed. Pointing out from MCD's report that leachate collected from the site was sent to the Okhla leachate treatment plant, NGT said, "The collection of leachate during the monsoon and post-monsoon period varies." Asking MCD to share month-wise data on leachate collection of the past 12 months, NGT noted that MCD's report stated that a kaccha drain has been made for leachate flowing towards the collection tank. "The possibility of contamination of groundwater and soil by flowing leachate in the kaccha drain exists; therefore, MCD is required to explain this," said the tribunal. NGT pointed out that the report also stated that in the leachate, chromium, nickel, fluoride, oil and grease and ammoniacal nitrogen were found to be present. "The fly ash prepared from this leachate may contain these heavy metals, which is used for some other purposes; therefore, if the testing of the fly ash is done," said the bench, which has granted MCD six weeks to submit a detailed report. The matter will be next heard on Oct 16.
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
NGT issues notices on alleged plastic waste violations by tobacco brands
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) issued notice on a plea from The Citizens Foundation, which alleges widespread non-compliance with the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, by manufacturers of gutkha, pan masala, and tobacco products. The petition claims that banned plastic packaging materials are still being used and calls for strict enforcement of existing regulations. This includes the closure of units violating the rules and the recovery of environmental compensation. A judicial bench led by Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Member Dr. A. Senthil Vel has issued notices to relevant authorities, including the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), seeking their responses. Counsel for the petitioner pointed out that, despite the CPCB's earlier directives, issued on October 22, 2021, under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to 25 manufacturers to halt operations unless they adopted eco-friendly packaging, these directives remain unimplemented. The CPCB had instructed the defaulting companies to submit a timeline for switching to sustainable materials and to pay Environmental Compensation (EC) with interest for any delays. The plea highlights violations of Rules 4(f) and 4(i) of the 2016 Rules, which prohibit the use of plastic sachets and specific polymers in packaging gutkha and related products. CPCB's previous reports suggested that such non-compliance could result in stern penalties, including seizure of goods, shutting down of factories, and levies of Rs 5,000 per ton of plastic used. Repeat offences could attract additional fines of up to Rs 20,000 per ton. The applicant also cited a CPCB report from January 2021, which outlines enforcement under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regime. According to this, delayed EC payments could be penalised with annual interest ranging from 12 per cent to 24 per cent. Delays exceeding three months could lead to factory closures and criminal prosecution under Section 15(1) of the Environment Protection Act. Recognising the gravity of the environmental concerns raised, the NGT has scheduled the next hearing for September 26, 2025. The applicant must serve notices on the remaining respondents and file an affidavit of service one week prior to the scheduled date, as stated by the Tribunal.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
NGT issues notices on alleged plastic waste violations by tobacco brands
New Delhi [India], July 27 (ANI): The National Green Tribunal ( NGT ) issued notice on a plea from The Citizens Foundation, which alleges widespread non-compliance with the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, by manufacturers of gutkha, pan masala, and tobacco products. The petition claims that banned plastic packaging materials are still being used and calls for strict enforcement of existing regulations. This includes the closure of units violating the rules and the recovery of environmental compensation. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Public Policy Technology Design Thinking Leadership Cybersecurity Data Analytics MBA Healthcare Data Science others Degree Operations Management Artificial Intelligence Management Others Product Management Digital Marketing Finance healthcare Data Science MCA CXO PGDM Project Management Skills you'll gain: Economics for Public Policy Making Quantitative Techniques Public & Project Finance Law, Health & Urban Development Policy Duration: 12 Months IIM Kozhikode Professional Certificate Programme in Public Policy Management Starts on Mar 3, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Months IIM Calcutta Executive Programme in Public Policy and Management Starts on undefined Get Details A judicial bench led by Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Member Dr. A. Senthil Vel has issued notices to relevant authorities, including the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), seeking their responses. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Textron Unveils Next-Gen Cessna Citation Models Jetgala Read More Undo Counsel for the petitioner pointed out that, despite the CPCB's earlier directives, issued on October 22, 2021, under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to 25 manufacturers to halt operations unless they adopted eco-friendly packaging, these directives remain unimplemented. The CPCB had instructed the defaulting companies to submit a timeline for switching to sustainable materials and to pay Environmental Compensation (EC) with interest for any delays. Live Events The plea highlights violations of Rules 4(f) and 4(i) of the 2016 Rules, which prohibit the use of plastic sachets and specific polymers in packaging gutkha and related products. CPCB's previous reports suggested that such non-compliance could result in stern penalties, including seizure of goods, shutting down of factories, and levies of Rs 5,000 per ton of plastic used. Repeat offences could attract additional fines of up to Rs 20,000 per ton. The applicant also cited a CPCB report from January 2021, which outlines enforcement under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regime. According to this, delayed EC payments could be penalised with annual interest ranging from 12 per cent to 24 per cent. Delays exceeding three months could lead to factory closures and criminal prosecution under Section 15(1) of the Environment Protection Act. Recognising the gravity of the environmental concerns raised, the NGT has scheduled the next hearing for September 26, 2025. The applicant must serve notices on the remaining respondents and file an affidavit of service one week prior to the scheduled date, as stated by the Tribunal.
