NGT forms committee to investigate pollution allegations against IFFCO

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the formation of a four-member committee to investigate allegations of pollution caused by Indian Farmers Fertilizers Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), Phulpur in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

The committee will consist of representatives from the Central Pollution Control Board, Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board, Central Ground Water Authority, and the district magistrate of Prayagraj.

On September 15, 2023, the tribunal instructed the committee to visit the site and assess whether IFFCO is producing ammonia without the necessary consent and clearance from competent authorities.

The committee has been tasked with determining the extent of pollution and damage caused and proposing remedial measures. The NGT has set a deadline of eight weeks for the committee to submit its report.

IFFCO, Phulpur was only granted consent for the production of urea, and no permission has been given for the production of ammonia. However, the industry is operating an ammonia and urea plant in violation of environmental clearance and consent to operate norms under the Air and Water Act.

The industry is allegedly releasing untreated ammonia water, which has had a detrimental impact on the soil, crops, and underground water in the vicinity. Additionally, residual waste and untreated water are being discharged into a concrete drain and then into a trench, resulting in the pollution of nearby farms and a river.

IFFCO allegedly lacked ammonia production consent

The applicant claims that while IFFCO was granted consent for urea production, there is no record of consent being issued for the production of ammonia, making its operations in violation of environmental clearance and consent under the Air and Water Act.

Furthermore, it is alleged that untreated waste and water are being drained into concrete drains, eventually making their way to the river, causing contamination and posing a threat to the environment.

The applicant's legal representative informed the NGT that previous attempts to address the issue through the High Court at Allahabad and the Supreme Court had been fruitless, as they were instructed to seek consent and follow other statutory remedies before proceeding further.

In response to the raised concerns, the NGT has decided to take action. A Joint Inspection Committee will be formed, consisting of representatives from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA), and the District Magistrate of District Prayagraj. The District Magistrate will serve as the nodal agency in this endeavor.

Committee to inspect IFFCO, assess pollution

This committee's primary objective is to visit the IFFCO site, determine if ammonia production is indeed occurring without proper consent and clearances, assess the extent of pollution and damage, and propose remedial actions taken and required.

The committee has been directed to submit its action report within eight weeks, using email for efficient communication. The NGT emphasized that the report should be in a searchable PDF format, and a copy of this order will be forwarded to committee members for immediate compliance.

In the meantime, the NGT has ordered notice to be issued to Respondent No.8 (IFFCO) and instructed the applicant to serve them with the relevant documents before the next scheduled hearing on December 7, 2023.

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