NGT directs Ministry to frame laws to curb pollution by plywood industries

Noting that no guidelines exist to regulate pollution by plywood industries, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) to frame laws within six months.

“Plywood industries, having pollution index of 78.3 and falling in ‘orange’ category, are acknowledged to cause air and water pollution as reflected by its categorisation by the CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board), but no guidelines have been issued regarding location, pollution control devices for prevention and control of air and water pollution, safeguards to be adopted in use of chemicals which have carcinogenic properties,” an NGT judgment dated May 27 read.

“Accordingly, MoEF&CC is directed to look into the matter and take appropriate measures for framing of requisite guidelines for plywood industries and to file an action-taken report in this regard within six months before learned Registrar General of this Tribunal,” it read.

The court pronounced the judgment in a case on pollution by plywood factories in Haryana.

Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has also been directed to carry out site inspection of a list of plywood factories to confirm whether requisite safeguards regarding storage and use of the chemicals formaldehydrate/glue etc. have been adopted, and take appropriate action on the basis of the inspection and file reports to the court.

“HSPCB is directed to upload the information with relevant details regarding plywood industries in the State of Haryana on its website with compliance status thereof and file report in this regard within three months before learned Registrar General of this Tribunal,” the judgment said.

Published - May 30, 2025 01:06 am IST