"Adherence to environmental and pollution norms cannot be compromised," Supreme Court restores matter before NGT over stone crushing in Haldwani, Nainital

The Supreme Court on Thursday restored a matter before the National Green Tribunal with regards to the pollution caused by two stone crushing units located in Haldwani, Nainital causing hardship to citizens.

A Division Bench of Justice R Subhash Reddy and Justice Hrishikesh Roy said, "Adherence to the environmental and pollution norms cannot be compromised for factual misunderstandings or due to cryptic determination."

The bench was hearing a plea against two stone crushing units allegedly operating in violation of statutory environmental norms. The application was challenging an order passed by the NGT stating that adjudication is not required.

The Court observed that there can be no quarrel with the proposition that public interest would warrant action against polluting units. This is equally applicable to those industrial units which have been functioning since long.

Justice Reddy remarked, "The NGT was required to address the grievance on the adverse health impacts on the local populace by the stone crushers."

Answering the contention raised by the stone-crushing units that they should not be forced to relocate as the units are in operation since 1985, the Bench said that even the pre-existing units must fall in line.

However, the Bench has asked the NGT to decide the issue without being influenced by the observations made in this judgment.

The plea had sought relocation of the units alleging unbearable sufferings due to noise and air pollution emanating from those units.

Cause Title: Tejinder Kumar Jolly & Anr. Vs. The State of Uttrakhand & Ors.