The joint inspection team appointed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to inspect industries allegedly polluting river and ground water in Rajasthan submitted its report on two industries on Monday (May 22).

After reviewing the report, the Bench dealing with the matter allowed these industries to operate and asked the inspection team to submit its report on the remaining 11 industries as early as possible. The matter was listed for May 23.

Earlier, 13 industries were asked to close down by the NGT as the green tribunal felt they were contributing to pollution and flouting environmental norms. An inspection team of Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board and Central Pollution Control Board was asked to inspect these industries and submit a report.

In the previous hearing, the NGT had told the polluting industries that their plea for relief will only be considered after it had gone through the joint inspection report. It had also asked the affected industries to file their responses as well.

In the previous hearing, the counsel on behalf of the industries submitted their arguments and pleaded that they were suffering heavy losses due to NGT’s order.

—India Legal Bureau