Kolkata, July 31 -- The Eastern Zone Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in Kolkata has directed the West Bengal State Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) to investigate allegations of severe air pollution caused by a cement mixing plant located near a residential complex in New Town.
A petition was filed before the Tribunal alleging that a cement mixing plant operated by a private company near the Magnolia Merlion residential complex in Rajarhat was causing significant air pollution. According to the complaint, continuous emissions of cement dust from the plant have affected around 380 families, including children and senior citizens. The petitioner alleged that cement dust was settling inside residential premises, damaging air-conditioning units, preventing residents from keeping doors and windows open, and causing respiratory problems. It was also alleged that the plant's dust emissions were not complying with the prescribed pollution control norms.
The NGT observed that the allegations raised substantial environmental issues that warranted factual verification. Noting that the West Bengal State Pollution Control Board has the statutory responsibility to examine such violations and take remedial measures, the Tribunal directed the Board to treat the original application as a formal complaint.
The NGT has instructed the WBPCB to conduct a physical inspection of the site, examine the allegations, and verify whether the plant is complying with air pollution control norms and other statutory requirements.
The Tribunal further directed the Board to take appropriate action in accordance with the law if any violations are found. The WBPCB has also been asked to submit its report before the Registrar of the NGT, Kolkata, within three months from the date of receipt of the order.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.