Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding a waste management facility violating environmental norms, village Palej, district Bharuch, Gujarat, 07/03/2025
Order of the National Green Tribunal (Western Bench, Pune) in the matter of Pathan Fuzailkhan Ashif Khan Vs Gujarat Pollution Control Board & Others dated 07/03/2025.
The issue raised in the application pertains to Eco Waste Management (EWM) not operating its facility and conducting its operations without waste treatment, which has resulted in accumulation of approximately 800-1000 track loads of hazardous waste at the plot 201 to 204, GIDC Palej, village Palej, district Bharuch, Gujarat, which was granted CC&A by GPCB, which is valid till December 31, 2027.
Counsel for the applicant submits that noxious odors are emanating from the accumulated waste, affecting nearby locality, which may lead to fire incidents as well as contamination of ground water. GPCB has already issued closure directions to Eco Waste Management (EWM) on September 13, 2023 pursuant to their visit conducted on August 8, 2023, wherein various non-compliances were found. The applicant apprehends that it appears that at the time of grant of CC&A, GPCB might not have visited the site and granted the CC&A blindly.
Hence, prayer is made that a direction may be issued for transportation, treatment and disposal of the hazardous waste using Environmentally Sound Technology (EST) through other HWM-TSDF by GPCB and cost/expenses incurred in this process may be recovered from EWM.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB); Eco Waste Management; MoEFCC and Gujarat Pollution Control Board have been directed by the NGT, March 7, 2025 to submit their reply affidavits. The next hearing is scheduled for March 21, 2025.