NGT slaps Rs 5 lakh fine on Meerut Hospital for environmental violations

Noting the evidence before it, the tribunal said before being closed, the hospital operated without the statutory consent under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act and Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.

It said, "We are also informed that an effluent treatment plant of 2 kilolitres per day (KLD) has been installed in the hospital premises for the treatment of effluent but for the said plant no consent has been obtained from the statutory authorities. In view thereof, it is clear that for substantial period hospital had functioned illegally and in violation of environmental laws causing damage to the environment", news agency PTI reported.

The tribunal noted that the hospital had also installed a diesel generator set without obtaining consent under the Air Act.

It said, "In these facts and circumstances, we are clearly of the view that the project proponent is liable to pay environmental compensation by application of the 'Polluter Pays' principle."

It directed the hospital to pay Rs 5 lakh as environmental compensation within two months to the UPPCB for past violations, adds PTI.

"The amount of environmental compensation shall be utilised for remediation, restoration and rejuvenation of the environment in accordance with the restoration plan which shall be prepared within one month by a joint committee," the tribunal said.

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