Gujarat : NGT Probes Pollution Crisis in Ankleshwar GIDC, asks GPCB to furnish details

Ahmedabad : A cloud of concern looms over Ankleshwar GIDC in Gujarat as the Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has initiated an inquiry into the alleged pollution saga, compelling the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) to furnish comprehensive details.

Triggered by social media posts spotlighting purported unauthorized and untreated effluent discharge near the Ankleshwar GIDC Industrial Estate, the NGT intervened, prompted by posts by activist Rohit Prajapati on December 2.

In a recent directive on December 22, the Principal Bench transferred the case to the NGT, Pune, citing its relevance to the western region. The GPCB was instructed to divulge specifics regarding the final destination of the effluents a week before the hearing before the NGT, Pune.

During the hearing, the GPCB outlined various actions undertaken, highlighting efforts to impose environmental compensation on defaulting units. Shockingly, despite claims of imposing Rs 11,470,000 as interim environmental damage compensation on industries, the NGT Bench noted a lack of clarity on the actual recovery of this compensation.

Expressing dissatisfaction, the Bench mandated the GPCB to submit a fresh, comprehensive report encompassing all pertinent information, especially on compensation recovery status.

Providing an overview of the industrial categorization in Ankleshwar, Panoli, and Jhagadia GIDCs, the GPCB’s submission revealed alarming statistics. Ankleshwar hosts 948 industries, predominantly classified with 765 in the red category, pointing to high pollution potential. Panoli GIDC comprises 533 industries, with 427 falling under the red category, posing significant environmental risks. Meanwhile, Jhagadia GIDC houses 178 industries, with 155 designated in the red category, signaling a critical situation.

“The revelations from the GPCB’s report are troubling, emphasizing the urgency for stringent measures to curb pollution and ensure industries comply with environmental norms to safeguard the region’s ecological balance.”

As the NGT intensifies its scrutiny, the spotlight remains fixed on the GPCB’s forthcoming report, expected to shed light on crucial details, particularly regarding compensation recovery and action plans to mitigate environmental hazards.