Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of M/s. Qurx Pharmaceuticals Vs Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board & Others dated 18/11/2021.

The appeal has been filed in the NGT by against Qurx Pharmaceutical against order of closure, April 23, 2021 followed by order, May 26, 2021 passed by the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board, requiring the unit to deposit compensation in the sum of Rs. 14,50,000/- on ‘Polluter Pays’ principle.

The SPCB had found that the unit of the appellant had discharged polluted water from pharmaceuticals without any treatment. It had also failed to comply with the directions of the state SPCB for remedial action. Show cause notices dated August 4, 2020 and August 14, 2020 were issued but still the appellant failed to take remedial action.

The NGT directed the unit to deposit with the HPSPCB 50 per cent of the assessed amount within one month and the SPCB can revisit the quantum by determining the basis of compensation by a speaking order "considering the contentions of the appellant and the material which the appellant may rely upon in support of its case". Such redetermination has to take place within three months.