NGT gives interim relief to dyeing industry

In a major relief given to the Punjab Dyers Association, the National Green Tribunal has asked the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) not to take any action against CETPs, at least till December 2, the next date of hearing of the case between the association and the PPCB.

The orders came following an application moved by the association, praying for an interim relief from the NGT.

Bobby Jindal, president of the association, said: “The application moved by the dyeing industry was against the impugned orders of the PPCB about not discharging treated water through CETPs into the Buddha Nullah”.

The NGT directed that action would result in shutting down all industries connected with the CETPs in question. Considering circumstances of the case, the NGT in its order dated November 4 directed that till the next date of hearing, no coercive steps in pursuant to the impugned order will be taken subject to compliance of the environmental norms and clearance conditions. The PPCB was also directed to produce original records along with a copy, thereof concerning to passing of the impugned orders.

Jindal said the PPCB had directed the CETPs on Tajpur Road and Focal Point not to discharge the liquid into the nullah since these did not fulfil the norms. “Against this order of the PPCB, we had moved the NGT for relief. The Tribunal provided us relief till the next date of the hearing of the case in December,” he said.

Relief till next date of hearing

Bobby Jindal, president of the Punjab Dyers Association, said the PPCB had directed the CETPs on Tajpur Road and Focal Point not to discharge liquid into the nullah since these did not fulfil the norms. “Against this order of the PPCB, we had moved the NGT for relief. The NGT provided us relief till the next date of the hearing of the case in December,” he said.