The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the inspection of ‘kolhus’ used for crushing sugarcane in Uttar Pradesh after a plea alleged that these “unregulated” units were major contributors to air and water pollution.
Sugarcane is processed in bullock-driven ‘kolhus’ for crushing cane for manufacturing sugar.
A Bench headed by Justice Jawad Rahim noted that there was no scientific study or any report with regard to working of these units and the adverse impacts on the environment.
Directions for CPCB
The green panel directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the State pollution control board to conduct a joint inspection of these units and inform it whether any pollution is being caused.
“Apart from this joint inspection, the CPCB and the UPPCB are required to conduct independent study of the functioning of the kolhus in the nature of pollutants these release and adverse impact, if any, caused to the environment and suggest remedial action. We further direct the Environment Ministry to place before the tribunal any rules, regulation or standing orders issued with regard to control of kolhus, if not then to file a submission suggesting such action to prevent pollution being caused by kolhus,” the Bench said.
Three months’ time
The tribunal has now granted three months’ time to the CPCB and the UPPCB to file their inspection reports.
The order came while hearing a plea filed by advocate Anil Kumar seeking closure of kolhu crushers operating in the western and central parts of UP on the ground that they emit toxic gases like carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. —PTI
