Home / Environment / NGT Scolds Uttarakhand Board Over Hospital Scrap Yard Pollution
NGT Scolds Uttarakhand Board Over Hospital Scrap Yard Pollution
16 Oct
Summary
- NGT summoned Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board over scrap yards near a hospital.
- Scrap units allegedly dumped hazardous waste, causing significant pollution.
- Board members must appear by February 2, 2027, to explain lapses.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sharply rebuked the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board (UKPCB) concerning environmental breaches by scrap yards situated near a Rudrapur hospital. Hearing a plea from Medicity Hospital, the tribunal noted that scrap units were operating without necessary permits and buffer zones, allegedly dumping hazardous materials like plastic, paper, glass, and flammable waste, which resulted in pollution.
The NGT has ordered the UKPCB's member secretary to appear before it and provide an explanation for these perceived failures. Additionally, the Rudrapur Nagar Nigam has been instructed to take appropriate legal action and submit a report on actions taken by February 2, 2027. An affidavit revealed a municipal survey identified 66 scrap dealers near the hospital, with none providing required land occupancy documents.
Inspections confirmed numerous scrap vendors operating close to the hospital, some within 100 meters. Many stored fire-prone materials without adequate safety measures and lacked essential fire licenses. The tribunal observed significant environmental disregard, including air emissions, waste burning, wastewater discharge, and improper hazardous waste storage, with no safeguards against contamination.
