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NGT Notice: Pharma Firm Accused of Water Contamination
5 Aug
Summary
- Pharma firm allegedly submitted false info for environmental clearance.
- Unit accused of discharging effluents into Chikni Khad tributary.
- NGT orders probe into alleged illegal construction and muck dumping.
The principal bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in New Delhi has issued a notice to Kiinvan Pvt. Ltd., an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) manufacturing unit. This action follows allegations of environmental violations at its facility located in Himachal Pradesh's Solan district.
The NGT took cognizance after a local filed an application alleging that the company submitted false information in its Form-II application for Environmental Clearance. Specifically, the company allegedly claimed no effluents would be generated and no water body was nearby.
However, the application states that Chikni Khad, a tributary of the Sarsa River, is adjacent to the unit. The company is accused of illegally discharging effluents and chemical waste into this stream, despite being a Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) unit. Further accusations include illegal dumping of toxic wastewater, unauthorized groundwater extraction, and environmental damage leading to fish mortality.
Separately, the NGT has directed the district magistrate of Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, to investigate allegations of illegal construction and unauthorized dumping of muck and debris near water bodies. This inquiry is to determine violations of environmental laws and norms, with a directive to take remedial action within two months. The Kiinvan Pvt. Ltd. matter is scheduled for further consideration on October 12, 2026.
