Summary:
Shimla: With regard to air and water pollution caused by an industry in Rampur-Majri area of Sirmaur district, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought a report based on verification of facts jointly from the Himachal State Pollution Control Board and the district magistrate, Sirmaur, within one month. Rubber tyres are burnt, causing toxic smoke and black dust, which affects the health of inhabitants, animals and plants, they added. They claimed that the norms were still being violated.While hearing the matter, principal bench of tribunal headed by its chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel on March 26 observed that the tribunal considered it necessary to seek a report based on verification of facts jointly from the Himachal State Pollution Control Board and the district magistrate, Sirmaur, within one month by email. It said that the nodal agency for compliance will be the state pollution control board.“Needless to say that the order of the NGT is binding as a decree of court and non-compliance can lead to punitive action, including prosecution, in terms of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010,” observed the tribunal while posting the matter for July 1 for further hearing. It was further stated that the Himachal Pradesh high court vide its order dated June 19 last year had directed disconnection of electricity but the same was restored on account of a report that all norms were being followed, which was factually incorrect..