Shimla, Oct 28,
In a significant order dated October 24, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the Himachal Pradesh government to propose a remedial action plan for alleged environmental violations in the Pandoga Industrial Area of Una district. This directive follows the NGT’s finding that industries classified under “A” and “B” categories had been permitted without obtaining the necessary prior Environmental Clearance (EC), contradicting state representations that no such high-impact industries would be established in the greenfield industrial zone. The case has been listed for further hearing on December 12, 2024, with directions for all parties to comply with submission requirements.
The order was passed by a bench comprising Judicial Member Justice Sudhir Agarwal and Expert Member Dr. Afroz Ahmad. The bench took suo motu cognizance of the matter based on a letter petition filed by retired military intelligence officer Manoj Kumar Kaushal, who raised concerns about the adverse environmental impact caused by the development of the Pandoga Industrial Area. Established in 2016, the area has reportedly permitted chemical industries to operate in green zones, leading to significant deforestation, wildlife habitat disruption, and other ecological damage. Kaushal’s complaint included photographs and alleged that nearly 10,000 trees were cut to accommodate industrial development.
According to the tribunal’s directives, the NGT has now impleaded three industries operating in the industrial area as respondents due to their high pollution potential. These include M/s Hindustan Pectin Farmdirect Powder Ingredients Pvt. Ltd., M/s Ian Macleod Distillers India Pvt. Ltd., and M/s Ambaji Enterprises. All parties are expected to file their responses by early November, and the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPPCB) is tasked with serving notices to the newly impleaded parties.
The bench noted that despite initial state claims that no high-pollution industries would operate in the Pandoga Industrial Area, multiple category “A” and “B” industries have since been established, violating environmental regulations. The NGT has called for an investigation into this breach and ordered the state government to submit a compliance report, detailing proposed measures to rectify any violations.
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