NGT takes cognisance of pollution allegations against ferro alloy units

Itanagar: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken cognisance of a petition alleging serious environmental pollution caused by two ferro alloy units operating in Arunachal Pradesh’s East Siang district and issued notices to the respondents, officials said.The matter came up before the NGT’s Eastern Zone Bench in Kolkata on March 9, following an application filed by the Industrial Growth Centre Pollution Affected People’s Forum (IGCPAPF) and another applicant.The petition alleged that pollution from the factories of M/s Arunachal Ferro Alloy and M/s Aether Alloys LLP has affected seven villages, namely Ruksin, Niglok, Ngorlung, Ralung, Mikong, Mangnang, and Lingka.According to the application, emissions from the industrial units have caused air pollution through dust and smoke while also contaminating nearby water bodies and agricultural land.The plea further alleged that pollution has adversely impacted biodiversity in the area, with a decline reported in aquatic species such as frogs and fish. Residents of the affected villages have also reportedly been suffering from respiratory ailments, including chronic bronchitis, lung fibrosis, and silicosis, due to prolonged exposure to industrial emissions.The applicants sought directions from the tribunal to constitute a joint committee comprising environmental experts and district officials to investigate the matter, restore environmental damage, and consider permanent closure of the units if they are found to be operating in a non-feasible location. They also demanded environmental compensation and criminal action against the concerned industrial units and officials under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.After hearing preliminary submissions, the tribunal observed that the averments raised substantial environmental issues under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, and ordered issuance of notices to the respondents.The matter has been listed for further hearing on April 6.