Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Varun Sheokand & Others Vs State of Haryana & Others dated 21/08/2020.

The application sought enforcement of the NGT order of September 29, 2016 in Original Application No. 51/2016 in the matter of Varun Sheokand Vs State of Haryana & Others. The order had required the polluting dyeing industries in Faridabad to follow environmental norms. Vide order of January 8, 2020 the Tribunal had sought a factual and action taken report in the matter from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), District Magistrate, Faridabad and the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB).

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The report filed by the HSPCB on August 17, 2020 informed the Tribunal that violations were found during inspection and necessary action had been taken by way of closure, assessment and recovery of environmental compensation and initiating prosecution. The Tribunal noted that except for initiating some action on directions of the court, violation of environmental norms remained unchecked and the HSPCB was not performing its statutory obligation of taking action, against violation of environmental laws.

The court said that it was imperative that the SPCB was suitably revamped by setting up necessary vigilance squads and to shorten the procedure of taking action. The NGT directed that the SPCB should ensure that assessed compensation was recovered and polluting units were not allowed to operate without complying with the norms and without paying the assessed compensation. Further vigilance should be maintained and status of compliance as on November 30, 2020 should be placed on record by the joint committee before January 15, 2021.