Don't clear new industrial projects in Noida: Green tribunal

New Delhi, April 12 (IANS) The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the environment ministry to not give environment clearances to any new industrial projects in Noida, on the outskirts of the national capital, following the "lackadaisical attitude" of the Noida administration in a case related to pollution in the area.

The green tribunal, in its order dated Wednesday but released Thursday, observed: "In order to safeguard the environment and restrict the pollution, both air and water including hazardous waste, we direct that no further environmental clearance shall be granted to any of the new industrial units in Noida."

The tribunal further directed that any operating industry shall not be permitted to expand in Noida without its prior permission.

The tribunal was hearing a case filed by Sanjay Agnihotri, resident of Sector 29, Noida that due to unregulated pollutants being discharged in Noida, the right of the applicant and his family members to a healthy environment is being violated.

"Taking into consideration the grave nature of allegations and lackadaisical attitude exhibited by Noida administration, who have remained absent (during hearing), we are constrained to direct the member secretary of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the chairperson of Noida or any other responsible official of Noida to remain present in the court during the next hearing on May 8," it said.

The tribunal has also directed the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) to conduct on-the-spot inspections, collect industrial effluents from polluting units, analyse these and submit a report on May 8.

UPCCB has also been asked to submit details of the hazardous wastes being generated by these units.

They have been directed to take appropriate action under the Air and Water Acts and environment regulations, concerning the industries that are not following the conditions imposed and flouting rules.

"The matter being very serious, UPPCB is directed to conduct spot inspection on war footing and submit their report," it said.

CPCB was also directed to conduct air quality survey in the Noida's adjoining residential areas of Mayur Vihar, Vasundhara Enclave and villages located within a radius of 15 km from the border of Noida and produce the data.