Question : Toxic Water and Air Pollution

(a) whether the level of toxic water and air pollution has touched a new record because of industries/ companies in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether excessive mining in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh has increased water pollution and if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether people of Sonbhadra, UP are compelled to drink contaminated water due to water pollution and if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the Government has taken any legal action against the industries/ companies for polluting environment and if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the other corrective measures taken by the Government under the Environment (Protection) Act in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

(a) & (b) No recent assessment has been made of Sonbhadra areas as per ComprehensiveEnvironmental Pollution Index (CEPI) to indicate that air pollution has touched new records due to industries/companies in Sonbhadra, UP areas and that there are no reported caseswith regard to water pollution due to excessive mining.

(c) to (e)In compliance with the recommendations of Core Committee constituted by Hon’ble National Green Tribunal, water is supplied to the residents of Sonbhadra through installation of Reverse Osmosis plants and integrated water supply systems.Industries located in Sonbhadra are covered under Singrauli Action Plan and their status is regularly monitored under the Chairmanship of District Magistrate, Sonbhadra and necessary directions are given from time to time for improvement. Industries are required to take Consent to Establish and Consent to Operate under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and it is obligatory for industries meet the norms prescribed by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for effluent treatment. Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) maintain close vigil on quantity/ quality of effluent and emission discharge by polluting industries. Action to ensure compliance with prescribed standards is taken by SPCB to improve air and water quality failing which non-complying industries are issued closure directions
*****