The southern bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has revoked the environmental clearance granted to Divis Laboratories Limited for the expansion of its unit in the Krishnapatnam Industrial Area, located in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh. The ruling came after Sri Mahalakshmi Hatcheries filed an appeal challenging the clearance.
Key Details
- Tribunal Bench: The order was passed by a bench comprising Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and expert member Satyagopal Korlapati.
- Petitioner’s Concerns: Senior advocate Abdul Saleem, representing Sri Mahalakshmi Hatcheries, argued that the pharmaceutical company, which manufactures synthetic organic chemicals, is situated near a notified aqua zone close to Krishnapatnam port. The area around the site includes over 3,000 hectares of shrimp farms within a 10km radius.
- Environmental Risks: The petitioner raised concerns about the discharge of treated effluents into the sea, which could contain heavy metals, phenols, drugs, antibiotics, and other chemicals, potentially harming aquatic life. The argument emphasized that wastewater treatment would not completely eliminate pharmaceutical metabolites, posing a risk to shrimp and other aquatic products.
- Tribunal’s Decision: The NGT allowed the appeal, setting aside the environmental clearance dated June 28, 2021, and remanding the issue back to the authorities for re-assessment. The tribunal also highlighted the need to consider imposing a Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) system for the treatment of industrial effluents.
Implications
The NGT’s decision underscores the importance of thorough environmental assessments, particularly in sensitive areas like aqua zones. The ruling may set a precedent for future cases involving environmental clearances for industrial projects near ecologically sensitive areas.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Who challenged the environmental clearance granted to Divis Laboratories Limited?
- A) National Green Tribunal
- B) Krishnapatnam Port Authorities
- C) Sri Mahalakshmi Hatcheries
- D) Andhra Pradesh Government
- What was the main environmental concern raised by the petitioner?
- A) Air pollution near the industrial area
- B) Discharge of treated effluents into the sea
- C) Deforestation in the surrounding area
- D) Noise pollution affecting the local community
- What system did the tribunal suggest for treating industrial effluents?
- A) Chemical Neutralization System
- B) Wastewater Recycling System
- C) Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) System
- D) Conventional Sewage Treatment System
- What was the outcome of the appeal filed by Sri Mahalakshmi Hatcheries?
- A) The appeal was dismissed by the tribunal.
- B) The environmental clearance was upheld by the tribunal.
- C) The environmental clearance was revoked and remanded for re-appraisal.
- D) The tribunal imposed a fine on Divis Laboratories Limited.