NGT Declines Allegations Against Barabanki Slaughterhouse, Seeks Strengthened Green Belt and Compliance

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Principal Bench at New Delhi has disposed of a case concerning allegations of illegal operations, environmental violations, and child labour against M/s Amroon Foods Pvt. Ltd. (now Fair Exports India Pvt. Ltd.), a slaughterhouse located in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh.

The Tribunal found no major infractions after multiple inspections and reports, but directed the company to intensify plantation of trees, particularly aromatic species, around its premises to address odour and ensure sustained compliance with environmental laws.

The matter originated from a letter petition dated November 17, 2023, sent by Anupam Verma, District President of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Tikait), Barabanki.

The petition, treated as a suo motu original application, alleged that the slaughterhouse was engaged in the slaughter of stolen and underage animals, discharging untreated effluents into the Reth rivernand violating environmental norms, thereby causing pollution and health hazards for nearby residents. It further alleged the use of child labour and collusion of veterinary staff, alongside irregularities in handling of animal remains.

A Bench comprising Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi (Judicial Member) and Dr. Afroz Ahmad (Expert Member) heard the matter.

On September 3, 2024, the Tribunal constituted a Joint Committee comprising the District Magistrate, Barabanki, the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB), and a representative of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). The Committee was directed to inspect the unit, collect samples, and submit a factual report.

Pursuant to the order, inspections were carried out on multiple occasions, and detailed reports were filed before the Tribunal. It was recorded that the slaughterhouse possessed valid consents under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, valid until December 31, 2024.

An Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) of 800 KLD capacity was installed to treat wastewater, with laboratory analysis confirming that effluent, borewell water, and river water samples taken upstream and downstream of the discharge point were within prescribed standards. Ambient air quality samples were also reported to be compliant with norms.

The Committee further noted that the unit had developed a green belt spread over 41,762.9 square metres, amounting to 39.88 per cent of the total land area, with 24,332 trees belonging to 61 species. These included several aromatic and shade-providing plants.

The plantation exceeded the minimum 33 per cent requirement under environmental clearance conditions. However, the reports also highlighted odour nuisance as a recurring concern, particularly from rendering operations. To address this, the Committee recommended that the unit strengthen its plantation drive by adding more aromatic and multi-purpose tree species around the premises and boundary areas.

During the proceedings, reference was also made to the 24 point compendium issued by the Government of Uttar Pradesh in 2017 pursuant to Supreme Court directions in Common Cause v. Union of India and later reiterated by the Allahabad High Court in May 2023, mandating strict compliance by all slaughterhouses. 

The inspection teams confirmed that the Barabanki unit was broadly adhering to these conditions.

After reviewing the material, the Tribunal noted that allegations regarding illegal slaughter, discharge of untreated waste into the Reth river, and use of child labour were not substantiated through evidence. It accepted the inspection findings that the unit was operating with valid statutory permissions and environmental safeguards in place. The Bench observed, however, that odour management required further attention and stressed the importance of continuous monitoring.

The Tribunal conclusively, directed the company to strengthen its green belt by planting additional aromatic and multipurpose species such as neem, peepal, pongamia, jamun, and imli during the monsoon season, alongside small aromatic shrubs. It also directed that compliance with all consent conditions and environmental laws must be strictly maintained, with regular plantation and upkeep forming part of the company’s obligations.

Finding no significant non-compliance warranting coercive action, the Tribunal disposed of the application with directions for ongoing vigilance and ecological measures.

Case Title: Anupam Verma v. State of Uttar Pradesh & Ors.

Date of Judgment: August 28, 2025

Bench: Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi (Judicial Member) and Dr. Afroz Ahmad (Expert Member)