The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has been hearing the matter on industrial wastes polluting rivers and groundwater in Rajasthan. Continuing the hearing of the matter on May 19, the NGT told the polluting industries that their plea for relief will only be considered after it had gone through the joint inspection reports of the Rajasthan Pollution Control Board and the Central Pollution Control Board. Both the pollution boards were asked by NGT to submit the report. It also asked the affected industries to file their responses as well.

The industries had been asked to shut down by the NGT in its earlier order, as the green watchdog believed they were flouting environmental norms. Even their electricity and water supply was disconnected on its order.

On May 19, the counsel on behalf of the industries submitted their arguments and pleaded that they were suffering heavy losses due to NGT’s order.

Many industries contended that they had upgraded their units and were following environment norms.

The joint inspection team was asked to inspect and submit the report before the Tribunal within two days.

The matter will again be taken up on May 22.

—India Legal Bureau