NGT bar on MOEF nod for Noida

New Delhi, April 12: The National Green Tribunal has directed the environment ministry to not give environment clearances to new industrial projects in Noida following the “lackadaisical attitude” of the administration in a case related to pollution.

The tribunal said in its order: “In order to safeguard the environment and restrict pollution, both air and water including haz- ardous 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- thespot inspections, collect industrial effluents from polluting units, analyse these and submit a report on May 8. — IANS