Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Satish Chander Singh Vs Uttarakhand Environment Protection and Pollution Control Board dated 22/02/2022.

Grievance in the application is against violation of environmental norms in the operation of a hot mixture plant by K.B.M. Infrabuild Pvt. Ltd. in village Nandauli, Pauri Garhwal, at a distance of 100 meters from the habitation.

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According to the applicant, the hot mix plant is releasing toxic gases and smoke which is entering the houses of the inhabitants. Dust pollution is causing difficulty in breathing.

The report filed by the District Magistrate, Garhwal to the effect that though the plant in question was causing smoke and noise adversely affecting public health, the same was no longer operational. The same was operated only for trial in May-June, 2021. It is located at a distance of 180 meters from the village habitation and CTO was granted till March 31, 2022. Air pollution control device was installed.

The NGT directed the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board to lay down siting and other norms, if not already laid down. The same will apply to existing and new plants. And after laying down policy, the state PCB may also ascertain compliance of norms by the hot mix plants by initiating an appropriate drive on the matter with reference to siting and environmental norms, the bench of Justices Adarsh Kumar Goel and Sudhir Agarwal said.