Pollution caused by small scale industries in Mumbai

Pollution caused by small scale industries in Mumbai

SHANIKA SHUKLA 

BACKGROUND

On 25^th of October,2018, NGT sought a report from Maharashtra State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) of a case- Resident of Asha Nagar, Mulund West Mumbai vs. the State of Maharashtra (Original application no.696/2018) upon the pollution caused by small scale industries in Mumbai. The MSPCB was established under the provision of Maharashtra Prevention of water pollution act 1969 and it came into existence on September 7, 1970. Its main aim is to prevent and control of pollution, to collect and disseminate information relating to pollution, to educate and suggest appropriated pollution control techniques and measures and to create public awareness about recycling and eco-friendly practices. It is mainly responsible to give direction according to Water act 1974, Air act 1981, Water (Cess) act 1977 and other provision of Environment Protection act 1986.

CURRENT ISSUES (Pollution caused by small scale industries in Mumbai)

On 25^th of October 2018, NGT sought a report from MSPCB upon the pollution caused by small-scale industries in the Nandanvan industrial estate region in Mumbai. The report was filed on the 11^th of April 2019. After a serious inspection and observation by the MSPCB, it was observed that the pollution was being caused in that area.

One of the reports stated that “MSPCB visited the site and based on observation of inspection issued a notice under

• Section 33A of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974, known as Water act and
• Under Section 31A of Air Prevention and control of pollution act 1981, known as Air act

for M/s. Reliance Packaging, M/s. Sea Marine Supply Co., M/s. Mater Engineering, and M/s. Raviraj Industry.  It was further stated that steps would be taken for the recovery of damages”.

Section 33A and Section 31A provides for the Board to act under the directions of Central Government as well as to issue, (on behalf of the central government), directions to any person, officer, or authority and the same has to comply by the issued direction. The Act gives the board the power to direct the closure, prohibition and regulation of any industry operation or processing; or the stoppage or regulation of supply of electricity, water or any other service.

Maharashtra State Pollution Control Board, on 20^th of July 2019, had filed a report before the principal bench of national green tribunal highlighting the progress being made in the prevention of air and water pollution caused by the small-scale industries of Nandanvan Industrial Estate region. The board has taken necessary steps to recover the compensation for the damages from those industries for spreading pollution and contaminating the natural air and water sources of the land.

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CONCLUSION

The hearing date was on 09^th of August 2019,  National Green tribunal sought the report form MSPCB and dint gave any further notice or direction to the board as for them no further order seemed to be necessary as this stage except that the MSPCB may continue their work of monitoring compliance of water and air quality norms by the industries in question.

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