Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Kulwant Singh & Others Vs Union of India & Others dated 07/04/2021.

The issue for consideration is the remedial action for violation of environmental norms by Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (TSPL), Mansa, Punjab, resulting in damage to the soil, apart from air pollution.

The NGT said that it was clear from the Joint Committee report as well as the stand taken by the representative of the unit that there were emissions due to long time taken in starting up of the plant and also due to fuel consumption which has come down due to installation of requisite equipment. "However, damage to human life and agriculture has not been assessed nor remedial action plan prepared," the Tribunal said.

The Monitoring Committee has recommended the methodology of developing green belt and that requisite study/assessment must be done by the Punjab Pollution Control Board itself. The TSPL has to submit the amount assessed by the SDM with the District Magistrate, Mansa for execution of the restoration work after preparing an action plan in consultation with the CPCB and the state PCB.

The CPCB has been asked to issue appropriate guidelines for remedial measures during startup period of Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) and also advise the State PCBs/PCCs to incorporate suitable conditions in granting CTOs to such TPPs. The recommendations of the Monitoring Committee should also be executed in a time bound manner, the NGT order April 7, 2021 said.