Clarify stand on emissions: NGT

The National Green Tribunal ( NGT) on Friday asked the Central Pollution Control Board ( CPCB) to clarify its stand on coalbased thermal power plants, which were causing emission beyond permissible limits that resulted in air pollution.

The NGT asked the CPCB to take clear instructions from its officers and apprise it about the status of thermal power plants which were causing pollution.

“The environment ministry had issued a notification on air pollution emission standards and water consumption for coal- based thermal power plants. Show us one plant where compliance has been done. We direct the CPCB would take clear instructions by the next date of hearing,” a bench headed by NGT chairperson justice Swatanter Kumar said.

During the hearing, advocate Ritwick Dutta, appearing for the petitioner, environment activist Sunil Dahiya, said the environment ministry has failed to take action against the guilty power plants, many of whom operate in clear violation of the Union ministry of environment

◗ The tribunal asked the CPCB to take clear instructions from its officers and apprise it about the status of thermal power plants, which were causing air pollution

and notification.

The matter heard on Dec. 7.

The NGT had earlier rapped the Union ministry of environment for not abiding by its directions on implementation of a notification on air pollution emission standards and water consumption for coal- based power plants.

The tribunal was hearing Mr Dahiya’s plea seeking a direction to the environment ministry and the environmental impact assessment authorities of all the states to ensure that all new approvals comply with the standards provided in the Dec. 7, 2015 notification.