NGT seeks report on waste tyres used in factories

CPCB to submit the report on required remedial measures

Following a plea seeking a ban on illegal pyrolysis industries that use waste tyres as raw material for the production of fuel oil, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to submit a report pertaining to the remedial measures required.

A Bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel said, “Before we consider the matter, it appears necessary to obtain a report from the CPCB about the status of compliance of [relevant] rules on the subject and remedial measures required, within three months. The CPCB may compile information on the subject from the relevant quarters.”

Plea by SAFE

The plea moved by the Social Action for Forest and Environment contended that use of waste tyres by the pyrolysis industries across the country “needs to be banned to prevent environmental damage”. The plea had said that as a result of the usage of waste tyres in the industry, toxic pollutants are emitted that affect public health adversely.

“Direct the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, the CPCB and the State pollution control boards in consultation with other scientific agencies to develop a monitoring mechanism to ensure that waste tyres imported in the country are verified through scientific means and through a robust monitoring framework,” the plea sought.

The petition also sought directions to concerned agencies to ensure proper implementation of the provisions under the Hazardous Waste Rules, 2016 which state that it is “mandatory for the occupiers or actual users to maintain records of hazardous and other wastes”.

The green panel also noted that the petitioner’s contention of having made a representation to the Union Environment Ministry, seeking a ban on the pyrolysis industries “due to non-implementation of existing laws resulting in adverse environmental impact”.