Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding unscientific carcass disposal, village Ladhowal, district Ludhiana, Punjab, 15/04/2021

Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Kulwinder Singh Sandhu & Others Vs Ram Murti & Others dated 15/04/2021. The original matter related to unscientific carcass disposal at village Ladhowal, district Ludhiana, Punjab. The matter was then considered in the light of the report submitted by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), September 15, 2019 - acknowledging the problem and mentioning the remedial action by way of assessment of environmental compensation and setting up of project for scientific handling of the carcass.

While seeking further report, the Tribunal in its previous order also directed the CPCB to compile information from all the State PCBs/PCCs about the extent of the problem and the remedial action taken/proposed. The NGT said that the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) must look into the lay down siting criteria for location of carcass management facilities in deep burial method. It may also lay down standards for treated effluents, solid waste and air emissions which may be required to be incorporated as consent conditions by state PBCs/PCCs. Such modified guidelines may be issued within two months and compliance by state PCBs/PCCs may be periodically monitored.

The court, April 15, 2021 mentioned the report filed by the PPCB, April 13, 2021, which informed the Tribunal that the Monitoring Committee visited the site, November 27, 2020 and found 45% construction was completed for the modern carcass plant and the rest was to be completed by February 28, 2021. It is further stated that the issue of assessment of environmental compensation was taken up in the light of report of the municipal corporation and vide order dated April 13, 2021, compensation of ₹8 Lakhs was required to be paid by the Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana for delay in taking necessary steps.