While hearing a plea that alleged adverse effects on the water table due to industrial operations in Ghaziabad and Hapur districts, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on April 13 sought a detailed list of such industries.
NGT’s warning
A Bench headed by judicial member Raghuvendra S. Rathore warned the respective District Industries Corporations (DIC) of heavy fines, if the list is not submitted by April 25.
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“Last opportunity is granted to respondent number 10 DIC to file the list of industries in Ghaziabad and Hapur. It is made clear that in case such list is not filed before the next date, the cost of ₹5,000 per day thereafter shall be saddled, till it is submitted” the Bench said.
The plea, filed by Ghaziabad resident Sushil Raghav, stated: “The illegal withdrawal of groundwater has resulted in serious depletion of groundwater in Ghaziabad and Hapur, as a result of which numerous handpumps, tube wells have dried up,” seeking closure of all industrial units extracting groundwater illegally.