Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Paras Nath & Others Vs Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board & Others dated 15/09/2023.

The issue raised in the application is about pollution being caused by Indian Farmers Fertilizers Cooperative Limited, Phulpur. Counsel for the Applicant has submitted that IFFCO, Phulpur was granted consent only in respect of urea and no consent for production of ammonia has been granted, yet the industry is operating the ammonia and urea Plant at IFFCO, Phulpur, Prayagraj in violation of environmental clearance and consent to operate under the Air and Water Act and releasing untreated ammonia water affecting the soil and crops of the nearby agricultural land and contaminating underground water. It was also the case of the applicant that the residual waste, untreated water is drained out to the concrete drain and then to trench which goes from the field of the farmers upto the river and pollutes the entire area as well as the river part.

[2]

The NGT, taking into consideration the application directed constitution of a Joint Inspection Committee comprising the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), Secretary, Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) and District Magistrate, District Prayagraj.

The Joint Inspection Committee will visit the site and examine if IFFCO, Phulpur is operating and producing ammonia without their being any consent and other requisite clearances from the competent authority, ascertain the extent of pollution and damages caused by IFFCO and also suggest the remedial measures taken and to be taken. The committee is directed to submit the action taken report within a period of 8 weeks.