Thermal plants, kilns, pottery & ceramic units under NGT lens

Thermal power plants, brick kilns, pottery and ceramic industries in NCR region on Tuesday came under the scanner of National Green Tribunal which warned that coercive action might be taken against such polluting units.

A Bench, headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar, which passed a slew of directions, directed Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to jointly conduct inspection of all thermal power stations generating electricity using coal and gas as its fuel within two weeks from Tuesday.

“The ambient and stack air quality samples would be collected and analysis reports be submitted to the Tribunal. This amongst others would include Badarpur, Indraprashtha, Rajghat, Dadri and Bawana plants.

“We make it clear at this juncture that all these power generating plants should improve their working and be fully efficient so as to cause no pollution. In the event of violation of prescribed standard, the Tribunal would be compelled to pass coercive orders in accordance with law,” the Bench warned. The Tribunal directed CPCB, DPCC and Uttar Pradesh and Haryana Pollution Control Boards to ensure that brick kilns working and operating in NCR have consent of the Boards and are adhering to prescribed norms for emissions.