Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Sushil Bhatt Vs Moon Beverages Limited & Others dated 31/08/2021.

Grievance in the application was that M/s Moon Beverages Ltd. and M/s Varun Beverages Ltd. were operating at Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh in violation of environmental norms by discharging effluents in the nearby drain against the provisions of the Water Act, 1974. They are also extracting groundwater illegally.

[2]

A joint committee report filed before the NGT, October 1, 2020 found various violations. The court, December 2, 2020 directed remedial action by way of stopping the illegal activities and recovering compensation for the violations as per laid down norms.

A report by the state PCB, April 8, 2021 said that NOC for extraction of groundwater stands granted to the project proponents by the Uttar Pradesh groundwater department. This was questioned by the applicant, saying such NOC is against the regulatory regime envisaged in the Supreme Court and NGT orders.

The NGT, August 31, 2021 directed notice to be issued to the concerned project proponents, Uttar Groundwater Department, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Ministry of Jal Shakti. The court listed the matter, November 8, 2021.