The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a final directive to the Haryana government and a factory in Sector 10, Gurgaon, to submit their replies regarding alleged environmental violations within a month. The NGT’s stern order came after repeated delays in the submission of responses by the respondents, despite multiple extensions granted by the Tribunal.
Background of the Case:
The case revolves around a petition filed by Gurgaon resident Navee, who alleged that a factory located close to a residential area and the Civil Hospital in Sector 10 is responsible for serious environmental violations. According to the petition, the factory is accused of releasing harmful chemicals into the air, potentially causing respiratory ailments and eye irritation among nearby residents. Additionally, the petitioner claims that the factory has been illegally extracting groundwater and discharging untreated wastewater into the sewer system, further exacerbating environmental concerns.
In November of the previous year, the NGT constituted a joint committee comprising members of the district administration and the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) to investigate the allegations made in the petition. Despite the issuance of notices and several extensions, the respondents have failed to submit their replies, prompting the NGT to issue a final warning.
NGT’s Order:
The NGT’s order, issued last week, states that this will be the last opportunity for the respondents to submit their replies. The order specifies that the replies will only be accepted if both the Haryana government and the factory each pay a penalty of Rs 25,000.
“Respondents were issued notices and given two months’ time to file replies. Thereafter, the matter has been listed before the Tribunal on 07.02.2024 and 08.05.2024 when again time was granted to respondents to file their response. But no response has been filed till date. Today, respondents 1 and 3 further need time to file a response. Subject to payment of cost of Rs. 25,000 by each respondent 1 and 3, the last opportunity is granted to file its reply within one month,” the order from Judicial Magistrate Sudhir Agarwal and expert member Dr. Afroz Ahmad stated.
The next hearing is scheduled for September 19, 2024.
HSPCB’s Response:
When asked about the delay in submission, an official from the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) stated that they had already submitted their reply to the Tribunal in April. “We have already submitted our reply to NGT. There was no requirement of submitting a joint reply earlier,” the official clarified.
Implications:
This case highlights the ongoing struggle to enforce environmental regulations in rapidly urbanizing areas like Gurgaon. The NGT’s firm stance underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the need for prompt action to address environmental concerns that could have significant public health implications.
As the deadline for submission approaches, all eyes will be on the Haryana government and the factory in question to see if they comply with the NGT’s directives and address the serious concerns raised by the petition.
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