The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Monday came down heavily on the New Okhla Industrial Authority (NOIDA) after petitioner Akhil Gupta alleged that sewage water was being used to sprinkle water to reduce pollution.
A Bench headed by NGT chairperson Swatanter Kumar directed the authorities to immediately look into matter and find out as to why treated water was not being used.
Rapping the authorities, the green panel said: “Tell us one thing that you have done for air pollution as a development authority. Taking shelter under the Tribunal’s orders is not the only thing that you can do. You should have taken these measures in any which way. Try mechanised rain in at least one sector, if it does not work out then bring it back to us.”
Directing the authority to file a report, the green panel warned it that in case of default, heavy fines would be imposed on them. “We will fine you 10 times the highest amount that you have ever fined anyone,” said the Bench.
