National Green Tribunal Mandates Strict Monitoring of Polluting Industries

Tribunal Directs CPCB and State Boards to Ensure Installation of Online Monitoring Systems for Effluent Discharge

In a significant step towards ensuring environmental compliance, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued directives mandating the installation of Online Continuous Effluent Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) by Grossly Polluting Industries (GPIs) discharging effluents above 10 KLD (Kiloliters per day). The Tribunal, led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Member Dr. Afroz Ahmad, emphasized the necessity of immediate compliance to curb environmental degradation in crucial water bodies such as the Ganga and Yamuna rivers.

The judgment was delivered in response to an Original Application filed by MD Imran Ahmad, who highlighted the non-compliance of several industries across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Bihar. According to the applicant, around 1700 industries have failed to install the mandated OCEMS, leading to unchecked pollution in these states. The CPCB's RTI reply dated July 3, 2024, was pivotal in the case, underscoring the requirement for GPIs discharging above 10 KLD to install OCEMS for monitoring parameters like pH, flow, BOD, COD, and TSS.

Despite CPCB's communication to state authorities on September 2, 2024, including a list of 149 non-compliant GPIs, the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) have not taken adequate steps to enforce compliance. This lack of action prompted the Tribunal to direct the CPCB and concerned state authorities to expedite the installation process and monitor compliance rigorously.

The Tribunal has instructed the Chairman of CPCB to consider the applicant's representation dated March 8, 2025, and issue directives to the SPCBs/PCCs of UP, Haryana, Bihar, and Delhi. The compliance reports are to be submitted by the Member Secretaries of the respective boards to CPCB within two months, followed by remedial and punitive actions against defaulting units within one month. Subsequently, CPCB will submit a comprehensive compliance report to the NGT's Registrar General.

This judgment underscores the importance of stringent environmental regulations to protect India's water resources from industrial pollution. The NGT's directive aims to create accountability among industries and state authorities, ensuring that environmental standards are met without delay.

Bottom Line:

Grossly Polluting Industries (GPIs) discharging effluents above 10 KLD must mandatorily install Online Continuous Effluent Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) to monitor environmental parameters like pH, flow, BOD, COD, and TSS. State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) must ensure compliance and take remedial action against defaulting industries.

Statutory provision(s): Environmental Law - Grossly Polluting Industries (GPIs) discharging effluents above 10 KLD - Installation of Online Continuous Effluent Monitoring Systems (OCEMS).

MD Imran Ahmad v. Central Pollution Control Board, (NGT)(Principal Bench, New Delhi) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2805852