Dairy farms told to take pollution control consent
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) on Sunday issued a directive requiring all cow shelters (gaushalas) and dairy farms with 15 or more cattle, as well as dairies operating in designated colonies, to obtain mandatory pollution control consent within 15 days. “The waste generated by dairy farms, if not managed properly, can severely pollute local water bodies and air quality,” the DPCC spokesperson added.
The order, published in a public notice on Sunday, warns of strict legal action against non-compliance. “Environmental compliance is non-negotiable,” the notice added. “Those failing to obtain the necessary approvals within the stipulated timeframe will face strict action.”
Cow shelters and dairy farms have been instructed to apply online via the Delhi Pollution Board portal to obtain the required consents. The DPCC has urged all operators to comply promptly.
The directive comes in adherence to the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. “We are enforcing this requirement to comply with recent court orders and to ensure proper environmental management practices,” said a DPCC spokesperson. “Any failure to adhere to these guidelines will attract legal penalties under relevant environmental laws.”
The notice aligns with the “Guidelines for Environmental Management of Dairy Farms and Gaushalas” issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) under the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) order of May 20, 2020.
These guidelines categorise dairy farms as ‘orange’ and ‘green’ under pollution control norms, requiring specific measures to curb environmental degradation.
The DPCC’s move also follows the Delhi High Court’s decision in the Sunayana Sibal vs. GNCTD case, which underscored the need for stringent environmental compliance from all dairy establishments in the city, regardless of their cattle count.
The guidelines aim to mitigate the environmental impacts of dairy operations, particularly water and air pollution caused by improper waste discharge.
