NGT issues notice to Centre, Telangana govt on plea alleging pollution by pharma companies

National Green Tribunal has sought response from Centre, Telanagana government and ors on a plea alleging pollution by pharmaceutical companies in Yri Bhuvanagiri district in state.

A bench comprising Justice K Ramakrishnan and Saibal Dasgupta issued tices to Union of India, state government, State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), Divi's Laboratories Pvt Ltd, Srini Pharmaceuticals, Maruti Cottex Ltd and ors while seeking ir replies before August 21.

green panel also formed a committee to probe matter "in order to get a true picture" and asked it to inspect area in question and submit a factual and action taken report (ATR) in two months.

committee comprises a senior officer dealing with pharmaceutical matters from Regional Office, Chennai, Central Pollution Control Board, Chennai, state pollution control board, Director or a senior officer Deputed by Director, Drugs Control ministration and District Collector of Yrri-Bhuvanagiri District.

" committee is also directed to consider question of health hazards if any, caused on account of functioning of units by causing pollution by discharging effluents or emission of gases if any, which is t in conformity with standard provided and also suggest remedial measures on that aspect as well," bench said.

NGT also directed committee to assess environmental compensation if any violation found and wher any remedial measures have to be taken to rectify degration caused to soil or water.

tribunal's direction came on a plea filed by Kalushya Parikshana Samithi alleging pollution caused by pharmaceutical companies situated in Yri at Bhuvanagiri district.

According to plea, filed through vocate Sravan Kumar, se pharma companies are t complying with pollution laws.

plea claimed that companies are t properly maintaining Effluent Treatment Systems and sought setting aside of approvals granted to m for violating causing severe pollution in Choutuppal area of Yri Bhuvanagiri District. PTI PKS SA