NGT takes action against Sandeep Paper Mill over pollution charges

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has heard a petition accusing Sandeep Paper Mill, located in Noida Sector 6, of discharging untreated and dangerous effluent, emitting toxic gases and polluting the surrounding area.

In response, the NGT has formed a joint committee consisting of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) and the District Magistrate to investigate the allegations and prepare a report. factual.

The committee will assess various aspects, including compliance with environmental regulations, operating procedures and the impact on neighbouring densely populated communities.

The petitioner, lawyer Vijay Kumar, a resident of Sector 5, highlights the proximity of Sandeep Paper Mill to various villages and residential sectors, including Harola, Nayabans, Atta, Jhundpura and sectors 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 14, 15 and 15A.

Kumar said that residents of these areas have reported health problems such as asthma, skin diseases and respiratory ailments, which they attribute to emissions from the paper mill. The petitioner claims that the vicinity of the plant is used as a dumping ground for rubber, plastic and other waste materials.

To determine the veracity of the accusations, the NGT has formed a joint committee consisting of the CPCB, the UPPCB and the district magistrate. The committee has been tasked with conducting a thorough investigation at the site, gathering relevant information, and preparing a full factual report.

The report will cover critical aspects such as the plant's compliance with environmental consent standards, operating practices within a densely populated area, compliance with the phased response action plan, and the use of approved fuels. The committee has been given two months to complete its investigation and submit the report to the NGT.

The allegations against Sandeep Paper Mill raise serious concerns about the potential environmental impact on the surrounding areas. The discharge of hazardous and untreated effluents can contaminate water bodies, posing a threat to aquatic life and the ecosystem in general.

The emission of toxic gases, including the reported black smoke from the plant's smokestack, contributes to air pollution and deteriorates air quality. These contaminants can have detrimental effects on human health and cause respiratory problems and other related diseases.

A UPPCB representative has stated that Sandeep Paper Mill has recently switched to approved fuel, indicating an effort to comply with environmental regulations. The UPPCB conducts quarterly third-party inspections at such industrial units to ensure compliance and required reporting.

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