Violation of pollution norms: NGOs accuse NCT of contempt of SC orders; write to Centre

“It has been found that the inlet and outlet parameters of NCT are in a continued and consistent violation of environmental norms, which has led to varied irreversible environmental damages, including contamination of the groundwater and surface water in the referred areas. Only non-serious notices are issued by the concerned authorities as a matter of routine practices which led to the irreversible damage to the surface, groundwater, other water sources, and agriculture,” Krishnakant of Paryavaran Suraksha Samithi told The Indian Express.

NCT, a subsidiary of Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation under the PPP (public-private partnership) model, deals with wastewater management and disposal of industries across Ankleshwar, Panoli and Jhagadia in Bharuch.

The letter further added it has also been observed that around 4-5 MLD of untreated sewage is used by the FETP to mix with the industrial wastewater for dilution. “Dilution is not the solution to treat the effluents and NCT should not be allowed to use untreated sewage for dilution. In spite of this illegal use of untreated sewage, FETP is unable to meet the prescribed norms. This is not only a consistent, and admitted violation of environmental laws and prescribed norms, but also an accepted, known, admitted, and consistent violation of the order of the Supreme Court,” the letter stated. The actions of NCT and many industries located in Ankleshwar and Panoli amount to contempt of the Supreme Court order, the NGOs noted.

“We have been sending letters to the concerned authorities about the violations and the non-compliance of the Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal Order by NCT, Notified Area Authority of Ankleshwar and Notified Area Authority of Panoli. We expect the concerned authorities to respect the law of land, and the order of the court to address the grievances of the affected people by implementing the said Order of the court,”
Krishnakant said.