Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding Vapi pollution and functioning of the statutory environmental regulators, 05/02/2021
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Aryavart Foundation Vs M/s Vapi Green Enviro Ltd. & Others dated 05/02/2021.
The question for consideration was the remedial measures against pollution of river Daman Ganga and drain Bill Khadi in district Valsad in Gujarat on account of discharge of effluents by industries and the CETP in Vapi Industrial Cluster, operated by M/s Vapi Green Enviro Ltd. In the course of consideration of the said question, further issue of compliance of judgement of the Supreme Court with regard to manning and functioning of the statutory environmental regulators was also taken up throughout India.
The NGT directed the Chief Secretariese of all states/UTs in coordination with their respective Secretary Environment and Chairman State PCB/PCCs, to prepare and execute their respective action plans which would include filling up all vacant posts by competent persons and procuring the requisite equipment, including commissioning and upgradation of all laboratories and recognition under the EP Act, 1986.
The court also asked the CPCB to prepare a format which would contain qualifications, minimum eligibility criteria, required experience for the key positions and the specifications of equipment. All states/UTs must act accordingly. Further, MoEF&CC and CPCB has to design a mechanism for annual performance audit of all the state PCBs/PCCs.
The issue of manning and functioning of state PCBs/PCCs was disposed of by the NGT with the order of February 5, 2021. However, the issue of pollution in Vapi Industrial cluster which was adjourned sine die would now be taken up after disposal of the matter pending in the Supreme Court.