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KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Hearings based on a petition from a local resident.
- Slaughterhouse accused in the environmental harm.
- Non-observance of environmental norms: NGT
If the CPCB/DPCB can’t find a way to operate the slaughterhouse in accordance with environmental rules and conditions of consent, the Ghazipur facility will be closed down permanently.
A Shailesh Sing, a local Shailesh, appealed to the NGT for a directive. He claimed that the Ghazipur slaughterhouse had violated environmental norms. He also claimed that the Ghazipur slaughterhouse was still being operated after the expiry date of the lease.
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The petitioner stated that water from animals’ actions and excrement was seeping into ground water and polluting it. The slaughterhouse did not have the appropriate permits.
Another accusation made against the slaughterhouse was the incessant drawing of water from ground, despite falling levels.
According to some reports, the water pollution has affected the health of the residents, particularly the elderly and the children.
The NGT ordered an investigation of all these claims. It was found that the water had not been treated and four illegal borewells were discovered. These borewells are now sealed. It directed the concerned authorities to ensure that the Ghazipur slaughterhouse license is held in accordance with the above conditions.
It was also stated that Ghazipur slaughterhouse must ensure that 100 percent of treated water is circulated, and that ZLD (zero liquid emission) is implemented before it can be granted permission to reopen operations.
NGT stated that the payment for environmental damage must be a condition of approval.
