Kasauli: Explain why brewery effluent samples were delayed: NGT

Ambika Sharma

Solan, July 25

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) suspects that certain vested interests at the local level may be trying to prevent correct position regarding effluent dumping by the Kasauli-based Mohan Meakin Brewery into a natural water source coming before the tribunal.

Discharge samples diluted

We fail to understand when the new joint committee was constituted on April 9, why immediate action in terms of the direction of the Tribunal was not taken and why the committee waited till July 3 to take the samples. It is undisputed that by July 3, rains had started and discharge samples were diluted. NGT order

These observations were made after a joint committee formed by it in April waited till July for the onset of the rains to draw the effluent samples. Taking exception to this deliberate delay the NGT in its order dated July 22 observed that, “We fail to understand when the new joint committee was constituted on April 9, why immediate action in terms of the direction of the Tribunal was not taken and why the committee waited till July 3 to take the samples.”

“It is undisputed that by July 3, rains had started and discharge samples were diluted. Hence, analysis reports of such samples will not show the correct status. Order of the Tribunal has been frustrated by joint committee by causing delay in taking samples,” noted the tribunal. The NGT also admonished the officials for failing to attach photographs of the site visit despite stating so in their reply.

“Aforesaid facts create a strong suspicion that certain forces at the local level may be trying to prevent correct position coming before the Tribunal,” observed the tribunal while taking a serious note of this lapse.

The Member Secretary, HP State Pollution Control Board, has been directed to appear virtually and explain its position besides the action taken against the concerned person, who has failed to act promptly on the order of the tribunal and may have perpetuated the environmental damage.

Notably, no report has been submitted by the new joint committee following direction of the Tribunal dated April 9. However, an action taken report has been submitted by the DC, Solan, HP, stating that site visit was conducted on July 3 and samples from different locations were taken and lab analysis were awaited. Extension of time was sought to file the report.

The tribunal is considering the issue of dumping of effluents by a distillery, Mohan Meakin Private Limited, Kasauli, in the natural source of water in Kasauli Kund. The NGT took note of a report appearing in these columns.

The NGT had earlier cast doubts at the credibility of the report filed by the joint committee on March 5 and a supplementary report submitted on April 5. A fresh report was sought by forming another joint committee comprising of DM, Solan, Member Secretary, HPPCB and representative of the Ministry of Environment Forest & Climate Change.