Order of the Supreme Court of India in the matter of Umang Diaries Ltd. Vs Kapil & Others dated 11/04/2022.

The NGT, February 25, 2022 had directed Umang Diaries to pay Rs. 4,85,44,000/- as environmental compensation within one month to the Central Pollution Control Board for causing pollution and extracting groundwater and operating a dairy plant without obtaining any consent from concerned authorities.

Umang Diaries approached the Supreme Court and the SC, April 11, 2022 put a stay on the NGT order for payment of compensation, subject to the condition that the appellant would deposit one crore within one month with the CPCB.

The apex court directed the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board to prepare a report with regard to the ground water status in district Amroha. The report would indicate the quantum of usage of ground water by industries, domestic and agricultural purpose in the district (both volume and percentage) and steps taken and directions issued to replenish the ground water in the district. The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) would also file an affidavit giving reasons for the delay in processing the application filed by the appellant for renewal of the grant of permission to withdraw / extract ground water.