Joint committee inspection report in the matter of Original Application No 02/2023 (Sheikh Shakir Vs Grasim Industries Ltd. Chemical Division & Others).

The report was in response to the National Green Tribunal (Central Bench, Bhopal) dated July 27, 2023. The joint inspection team visited the site in Nagda, district Ujjain on 23 and 24 August, 2023. The team was entrusted with the task to assess the factual status of allegation made in the petition and objection dated July 1, 2023 along with present compliance status of zero liquid discharge, status of ambient air quality and emission through online system, river water quality, ground water quality and drain.

The report said that Grasim Industries (Chemical Division), Nagda, district Ujjain has been maintaining zero liquid discharge status by installation of 'multiple effect evaporator (MEE) and agitated thin film dryer (ATFD)' since 2018 and no waste water was found discharged during the visit.

To control the emission from the stacks the unit has provided scrubbers. The manual monitoring values as well ascontinuous emission monitoring system (CEMS) data has been found within the limits given in consent. The unit has installed CEMS system to monitor emission on real time basis and also installed PTZ cameras at two locations to observe live activity remotely and all data transmitted on Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB) portal.

The committee recommended that the unit should take measures to control the odour/smell in the area as per recommendations/suggestions in the odour related study conducted by M/s JM Enviro, Gurugram. The committee also recommended the following measures to be take:

• District administration should ensure tap water supply in affected villages of Pardi, Takrawda, Parmarkhedi under “Har Ghar Jal” Mission in light of high TDS in ground water of the village
• The unit should monitor the groundwater as well as soil quality surrounding the SLF site at least once a year and submit a report to the MPPCB
• Health check up camps should be organised in nearby villages in association with local health authorities
• Municipal Council, Nagda should expedite the approval and construction of sewage treatment plant without further delay
• The Municipal Corporation, Nagda should make an action plan for treatment of waste water generated from commercial activities and vehicle washing in industrial areas.

Shaikh Shakir, the applicant had said that the unit was discharging untreated water on land and in river Chambal. The unit is using various acidic elements like sulphur, mercury, chlorine leading to pollution and affecting the health of residents of Nagda.