Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding pollution in Morbi town of Gujarat on account of the operation of ceramic, silicate and frit industries, 06/03/2019

Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Babubhai Ramubhai Saini Vs Gujarat Pollution Control Board & Others dated 06/03/2019 regarding pollution in Morbi town of Gujarat on account of the operation of Ceramic, Silicate and Frit industries. Prayer in the application was to close the coal based gasifiers used by industrial units in and around the town of Morbi and ensure that the said industries follow terms of ‘Consent of Consolidated Authorization’ (CCA) by the Gujarat State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) and the directions of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) vide letter dated 21.06.2014.

NGT while passing the order said that the industries are operating in violation of the provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. Thus, as per the Expert Committee report of February 2018 type A, B, C, D and E coal gasifiers are not viable. If the ceramic industries are to be permitted, their option is to adopt Pipe Natural Gas (PNG). In view of the above, it is clear that coal gasifiers are no longer viable. Inspection by GPCB shows high level of air pollution which is dangerous for health and environment.

NGT directs GPCB to close all coal gasifiers industries and units operating with the help of coal gasifiers without prejudice to such units switching over to non-coal gasifiers or PNG. The GPCB must initiate immediate steps for prosecution of the industries which have operated in violation of law and recover compensation for causing damage to the environment and public health. This amount may be assessed by a Committee with representatives of CPCB, GPCB and NEERI. To oversee the execution of this order by the GPCB, NGT appoints an Oversight Committee headed by Justice B.C. Patel, former Chief Justice of Delhi High Court and former Judge of Gujarat High Court.