Report on silica washing plants in Shankargarh, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, 17/06/2020
Submission of report by the Divisional Commissioner, Prayagraj in IA No. 79/2019 in Original Application No. 186/2019 in the matter of Jagriti Sansthan Vs State of Uttar Pradesh & Others on the directions of the National Green Tribunal Order of January 7, 2020.
The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board, Prayagraj informed that no Consent to Operate (CTO) has been issued to any silica washing plant, as valid permission from Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) was not received. The Committee constituted by District Magistrate, Prayagraj, visited area of Shankargarh on June 16, 2020 to ensure non operation of illegal silica washing plant.
The committee submitted its report that no illegal silica washing plant was found operatinal. The committee has been directed to regularly visit the site and ensure that no illegal silica washing plant is running. Regarding safety and welfare of workers, a report was submitted by Deputy Labour Commissioner, Prayagraj Division, Prayagraj stating tht safety and welfare measures for workers could not be enquired as units were found non-operational.
In respect of 61 units, environmental compensation has been imposed in the month of August 2019 by permission of competent authority @7.25 lakh. However, with regards to 9 units, no process to issuing environmental compensation has taken place as they have been already found closed.
The Regional Officer, Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board, Prayagraj that 60 recovery certificates out of 61 units has been issued against illegal silica washing plants and the remaining one is under process and the same would be issued soon.
The report was uploaded to the NGT site on July 14, 2020