NGT Orders Nationwide Environmental Compliance Report from CPCB

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The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has recently directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to publish a report on the status of compliance of environmental norms across India. Additionally, the NGT has ordered the CPCB to submit a further action-taken report on the implementation of its recommendations.

The NGT, under the chairmanship of Adarsh Goel, ordered the CPCB to submit the report within three months, and stated that a delay in the submission would result in a fine of INR 10,000 per month.

The order was issued in response to a plea filed by environmentalist M C Mehta, who sought compliance of environment laws and the control of pollution from all industries.

The tribunal stressed on the importance of strict adherence to environmental norms to prevent irreversible damage to the environment and public health. It noted that many industries operating in the country do not comply with pollution control norms, leading to severe environmental degradation.

The CPCB is mandated under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 to ensure the prevention and control of pollution. The CPCB has been directed to chart out a plan of action for each industry to achieve compliance with the environmental norms.

The NGT also directed all state governments to constitute special teams to monitor the implementation of the recommendations made by the CPCB and report back to the tribunal within three months.

The NGT further ordered that all industries must comply with environmental norms set by the CPCB or face stringent action, including the closure of non-compliant industries.

In the past, the NGT has dealt with several cases related to environmental degradation and the implementation of pollution norms. In March 2020, the NGT restricted the extraction of groundwater by entities such as Coca-Cola and Pepsico, and directed them to refill the estimated quantity of water they have extracted.

Similarly, in another case, the NGT noted that the burning of stubble and waste had created a hazardous condition and directed the CPCB to evolve a policy to prevent such burning.

In its recent order, the NGT has once again highlighted the need for strict compliance of environmental norms and emphasized the responsibility of all stakeholders in curbing pollution and preserving the environment.

The NGT's direction to the CPCB to submit a report on compliance and implementation of its recommendations is a significant step towards ensuring the protection of the environment and public health.

The NGT has reiterated that non-compliance of environmental norms will not be tolerated, and stringent action will be taken against violators. The order serves as a reminder to all industries to abide by environmental laws and take necessary steps to mitigate their environmental impact.

The implementation of the NGT's orders will not only improve the state of the environment but also promote sustainable development in the country. The preservation of the environment is crucial for the overall well-being and health of the society, and it is the responsibility of all stakeholders to work towards achieving this goal.