NGT Admits Plea Against Punjabi Ghasitaram Halwai For Using Traditional Fuelwood, Causing Pollution

The court directed officers of MPCB to visit the site of one of Mumbai's oldest sweet meat unit and submit a report on the level of pollution. It noted that the unit was allegedly granted permission by the MPCB on January 28, 2022 on the condition that it would switch from using bhatti to clean fuels like LPG or CNG within six months.

"Respondent Nos.1 and 2 (MPCB) shall submit a report after visit to the spot by the next date, as to what is the level of pollution as alleged and why action was not taken despite the violation of condition of Consent to Operate," the panel said.

The NGT passed the order while admitting an application from nearby residents seeking to suspend operations at the unit and impose appropriate costs for environmental damage caused.

Mahim residents represented by Advocate Zaman Ali said that Punjabi Ghasitaram Halwai (Pvt) Ltd. is situated in a plot adjoining three residential societies. It produces sweets at large scale on a plot spread across an area of 25,000 sq.feet.

They alleged that Ghasitaram's unit is releasing extremely toxic and hazardous gases from its chimney because it is still using combination of fuelwood, peanut shells and kerosene as fuel. The distance of the industry is 20 mtrs from the residential area, it added, stating that the factory falls within the red category industry, which has been granted Consent to Operate in January till June 30, 2025.

The residents also alleged that they approached the MPCB and Regional Officer but no action was taken, despite two reminders.

Advocate Aakanksha Murarka appeared for Ghasitaram's and submitted she would file her vakalatnama. In the meantime, the panel directed all respondents to file an affidavit within three weeks.

The matter is now listed for hearing on December 6, 2022. The petitioners include one Nadeem Altaf Chowdhary and others.

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