New Delhi: NGT shuts Ghazipur slaughterhouse for harming environment
According to the petitioner, the washing of meat, water dirtied by animals’ actions and excrement, was seeping into the ground and polluting the groundwater. The slaughterhouse didn’t have relevant permissions either. Another
accusation against the slaughterhouse in the petition was drawing of water from the ground incessantly, despite falling levels.
New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed East Delhi Municipal
Corporation to hold the operating license of Ghazipur slaughterhouse, on the fears of
harming the environment.
The NGT asked the relevant authorities to hold the license until the Central Pollution
Control Board (CPCB) and Delhi Pollution Control Board (DPCB) certify that the
project can be operated on consent conditions and as per environment-related rules,
reported Navbharat Times.
If the CPCB or DPCB cannot find a way to run the slaughterhouse without violating
environmental rules and conditions of consent for a license, the Ghazipur
slaughterhouse will be shut down for good.
The directive by the NGT was given on an appeal by a local Shailesh Singh. He had
alleged that the Ghazipur slaughterhouse has violated environmental norms. He also
alleged that the slaughterhouse was being operated even after the expiry of the lease.
According to the petitioner, the washing of meat, water dirtied by animals actions and
excrement, was seeping into the ground and polluting the ground water. The
slaughterhouse didn’t have relevant permissions either.
Another accusation against the slaughterhouse was to draw water from the ground
incessantly, despite falling levels.
The polluted water has reportedly been affecting the health of the local residents in the
area, particularly the elderly and children.
The NGT ordered the investigation of all these claims and it was found that the water
was untreated and four illegal borewells were detected, which have now been sealed. It
directed the relevant authorities to hold the license of Ghazipur slaughterhouse with the
above conditions.
It also said that before giving permission to Ghazipur slaughterhouse to resume
operations, it must be ensured that 100 percent treated water is circulated and implement ZLD (zero liquid discharge) system.
Before approving the project, the payment for the environmental damage must be a non-negotiable condition, said NGT.
