Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Sachin Tomar Vs State of Uttar Pradesh dated 18/09/2023.

The grievance in the application is about air and water pollution caused by M/s Titawi Sugar Mill in village Titawi, Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh by discharging chemical waste water and emitting fly ash in violation of environmental norms creating serious health hazards to the local residents. The counsel for the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) has submitted that environmental compensation of about Rs 76.2 crores has been imposed on the project proponent vide order dated September 6, 2023.

The NGT, noted that despite issuance of show cause notice for closure of the industry, the industry was allowed to continue to operate during the ongoing crushing season without compliance with the recommendations made by the joint committee, January 31, 2023.

"The imposition of any environmental compensation is no remediation of environmental damage caused until the amount of environmental compensation is realized and utilized for remediation of the damaged caused," said the NGT and directed the Chief Secretary, Uttar Pradesh, District Magistrate, Muzaffarnagar and the project proponent, Titawi Sugar Mill to file their response on the matter. The tribunal also directed the personal appearance of District Magistrate, Muzaffarnagar; Regional Officer, Muzaffarnagar, UPPCB and General Manager of the project proponent unit on the next date of hearing, October 10, 2023.