Order of the National Green Tribunal order on CETP for dyeing units at Tajpur-Roan road, Ludhiana, Punjab, 24/07/2020
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Punjab Dyers Association Vs Ministry of Environment Forest & Climate Change & Others dated 24/07/2020.
The proceedings in the matter were initiated on a grievance put forward by the Punjab Dyers Association that payment of amount as per applicable scheme for setting up of 50 MLD common effluent treatment plant (CETP) project for dyeing units at Tajpur-Roan Road were not being made by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and the state of Punjab.
In response to the NGT order of June 30, 2020 - the MoEF&CC filed an affidavit informing the court of the steps taken. The ministry submitted that with respect to 40 MLD CETP project of Punjab Dyers Association - the Technical Appraisal Committee for CETPs recommended the project for a total cost of Rs. 55.40 crore with Central share of Rs. 15 crore. In response to it the Ministry had released the Central share of Rs. 2.88 crore to the Punjab Pollution Control Board for establishment of the 40 MLD CETP. A state subsidy of Rs. 1.44 crore was also made available to the CETP project - under the provision of 'Centrally Sponsored Scheme for CETP. With regard to the 50 MLD CETP project, the Ministry sanctioned Central subsidy of Rs. 15 crore under CETP scheme. The Ministry also released Rs. 3 crore as the first instalment towards Central share to the Punjab Pollution Control Board.
The affidavit mentioned that the Central subsidy was released after commensurate state subsidy was made available to the CETP project. The Punjab Pollution Control Board was required to ensure the conditions as stipulated in the sanction orders of CETP Projects - 50 MLD CETP Project and 40 MLD CETP Project.
The NGT in its July 24 order noted that better coordination was needed among the authorities and 'no adjudication' was required from the part of the court. The tribunal, suggested that a joint meeting be held between the Secretary, MoEF&CC and the Chief Secretary, Punjab within one month. Further action may be taken as per joint decision in the said matter. Punjab Pollution Control Board was directed to ensure that all dyeing units and other members of CETP comply with the norms and do not discharge untreated effluents. If they do so, they would be made liable for environmental compensation.