NGT warns UP, MP govts of shutting down mines, thermal plants

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has warned of shutting down thermal power plants and coal mines in Singrauli and Sonebhadra areas of UP and MP for causing acute air and water pollution, asking the states whether the people there have the right to live.

The NGT’s sharp reaction came when it was hearing a plea alleging high levels of pollution in Singrauli and Sonebhadra, where coal mines and thermal plants are operating, which have a serious impact on the local populace.

The green panel slammed the state governments after a committee set up by it to inspect these areas submitted that heavy industrial activities in the region were a major source of pollution. It asked the two governments to inform by the next date the steps they proposed to take to tackle the problem. “We will shut down your thermal plants, (you) stay in <g data-gr-id="20">dark</g>,” a Bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar said.

“This report shows very serious levels of pollution in the area in question. Don’t the people of that area have a right to live? You can’t do this to the people. There is no monitoring of emissions at all,” it said.