Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Lakhwinder Singh Vs State of Punjab dated 02/07/2021.

The issue for consideration is action to be taken for violation of environmental norms by M/s K.R.B.L. Ltd., Bhasaur, tehsil Dhuri, district Sangrur, Punjab, manufacturing rice, rice bran oil, furfural and other related products.

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The reports filed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Punjab Pollution Control Board has said that the ETP of the unit was deficient and recommended remedial action. The state PCB had issued a show cause notice to the industrial unit and had also submitted a progress report on the response of the unit, which showed that the unit was still non-compliant.

The NGT said that the unit should not be allowed to continue till compliance and directed the state PCB to close the unit till compliance has been ensured. Further, for the past violations, accountability needs to be fixed in terms of compensation and directed for submission of a joint committee report, comprising the CPCB and state PCB on the status of compliance as on August 31, 2021.

The report would also include adequacy of command area to be utilised for treated effluents, whether standards were met and adequacy of management during rainy season when effluents were not required and status of reject management and utilisation of permeates.