Tribunal makes Noida factory comply with green regulations

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) last week passed an order allowing a chrome plating industrial unit in Noida, B & R Collection Pvt Ltd, to resume operations provided it follows Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) regulations. The industry carries out general engineering works, like electroplating, phosphating and coating

The case is connected to a plea filed before NGT earlier, complaining of high levels of pollution in Noida industrial area near Delhi. In response, NGT ordered closure of highly polluting industries in the area until they comply with the standards (See ‘Noida pollution case timeline’).

Subsequently, the Uttar Pradesh state pollution control board (SPCB) carried out a site inspection in August. It issued closure notice to 10 industries in August. Six were issued notices for violating effluent discharge standards and three were issued notices for violating air discharge standards and one for violating both, says Atulesh Yadav, regional officer with SPCB. “it was not actually all about whether or not they have installed pollution control devices but also whether they are in  a position to comply with the standards,” says Yadav.

Since B & R Collection was found violating effluent discharge and air pollution standards, it was served closure notices in August. Consequently, the power supply to the factory was withdrawn. Following this, B&R Collection approached NGT for relief.

Earlier this month, in a similar case, another factory, Modern Door Devices, was allowed to resume operations after inspection revealed that the company was complying with environmental regulations.  
In the case of B&R Collection, the tribunal had earlier ordered a joint inspection of the factory by PCB and SPCB. Based on the joint inspection committee report, NGT found the company was not meeting the general standards for total suspended solids (TSS), chromium (total), copper and nickel, and in order to meet them, the court asked the company to adhere to recommendations in the joint committee report and ordered another CPCB inspection on September 13.

The company was found taking necessary steps as per the inspection report. During inspection, the authorities found that the company had installed scrubbers, a new effluent treatment plant (ETP) and two cyclone filters connected to a 35 ft stack (there were no pollution control devices in the stack earlier).
The authorities also observed that there were no air pollution control devices in the grinding section (metal surface cleaning/preparation section) of the industry. In the latest report, it recommended the company install a device and then start operations. The chrome plating unit of the industry was found dismantled during the visit.

Based on the report, Justice P Jyothimani's bench set aside the orders passed by SPCB and allowed the industry to operate as per CPCB recommendations. The court thus has categorically reiterated that the industry can operate fully only after the installation of the air pollution control device in the grinding section. The court has also asked the operation of installed ETP and air pollution control device on a regular basis even during the partial operation period as per CPCB‘s recommendation. The court has asked the company to take appropriate steps for the disposal of the equipment and other materials connected with the dismantled chrome planting unit.

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