Chandrapur: The joint committee of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Maharashtra State Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has begun probe into alleged pollution caused by Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station (CSTPS) and Western Coal Fields (WCL) mines around the city.
The directives were issued by principal bench of National Green Tribunal (NGT) in the wake of a writ petition filed by industrialist and president of Chandrapur MIDC Industries Association, Madhusudan Roongta in high court, which was later shifted to NGT following the request of MPCB.
In the petition filed in 2017, Roongta had alleged emissions beyond the norms prescribed under clause 25 of Schedule-I to the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986. There is also non-compliance of notification dated January 25, 2016, issued by the MoEF&CC requiring fly ash disposal by December 31, 2017, the petitioner alleged.
In view of non-appearance on behalf of applicants, who sought to move the case to NGT, the principal bench issued the order directing CPCB and MPCB to form a joint committee to look into latest status of compliance of environment norms
The NGT has given three months to CPCB and MPCB to submit the report.
Reliable sources told TOI that the investigation started on Monday and CPCB and MPCB committee members have collected the ambient air quality samples and water samples from CSTPS premises.
The team on Wednesday collected the air quality samples at the Padmapur, Bhatadi, Lalpeth, and Durgapur mines under WCL Chandrapur area. Water samples from the discharge points in mines were also collected.
The members thoroughly inspected the power plant and WCL mines. The inspection is likely to continue for a couple of more days. Hearing will take place based on the reports, said sources.