Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding illegally operating brick kilns in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, 06/05/2024

Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Shrichand Vs State of Uttar Pradesh & Others dated 06/05/2024.

In the application, the applicant has raised the grievance against illegally operating brick kilns in district Mathura. Submission of counsel for the applicant is that Mathura falls between the NCR and Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) and the respondent brick kilns are operating in the densely populated area by using hazardous waste like spent organic, solvent, oily residue, pet coke, filter press cake, plastic rubber, leather waste as fuel and affecting the ambient air quality.

Counsel for the applicant has also referred to the list of brick kilns against whom the closure orders have been passed and has submitted that inspite of the closure order the respondents brick kilns are operating. He has also submitted that the respondent’s brick kilns do not have the CTO and they are not following the requisite norms.

The court was of the opinion that the application raised substantial issues relating to compliance of the environmental norms. The court directed the Chairman, Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) to ascertain the correctness of the complaint made by the applicant and will find out if the respondents brick kilns are illegally operating in violation of the environmental norms, without CTO and inspite of the closure order and take suitable action against them and will submit a detailed report one week before the next date of hearing, August 20, 2024.