Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding violation of environmental norms by industries manufacturing formaldehyde, Haryana, 18/01/2022
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of National Integrated Forum for Artists and Activists Vs Central Ground Water Authority & Others dated 18/01/2022.
Grievance in the application is against violation of environmental norms in running activities for manufacturing formaldehyde and its different resins (including melamine formaldehyde, urea formaldehyde and phenol formaldehyde) without requisite Environmental Clearance (EC) by industries. Further, the said industrial activity is without requisite safeguards prescribed under the Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals Rules, 1989.
The Tribunal directed a joint Committee of the CPCB and the Haryana State Pollution Control Board to look into the matter and give its joint report. In pursuance of above, the joint Committee filed its report, September 25, 2021 to the effect that out of 29 units in Haryana, 14 were established by 2006 and they do not require EC and remaining required EC. Since the said 15 units have not obtained EC, closure order has been passed by the State PCB.
The NGT directed the Haryana State Pollution Control Board to ensure compliance of requirement of EC (wherever applicable) and till grant of EC, the units may not be allowed to operate.