National Green Tribunal
Krishna Nand Yadav vs State Of Uttar Pradesh & Ors on 23 April, 2025
Item No. 25 Court No. 1
BEFORE THE NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL
PRINCIPAL BENCH, NEW DELHI
MA No. 88/2024
In
Original Application No. 651/2023
(MA No 47/2025)
Krishna Nand Yadav Applicant
Versus
State of Uttar Pradesh & Ors. Respondent(s)
Date of hearing: 23.04.2025
Date of uploading: 22.05.2025
CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE PRAKASH SHRIVASTAVA, CHAIRPERSON
HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SUDHIR AGARWAL, JUDICAL MEMBER
HON'BLE DR. A. SENTHIL VEL, EXPERT MEMBER
Respondents: Ms. Sthavi Asthana, Adv. for UPPCB
Mr. Pawan Upadhyay & Mr. Rishab Khare, Advs. for R - 6 to 9, 11 & 12
ORDER
1. This MA has been registered on the basis of the report dated 02.05.2024 filed by the UPPCB in compliance of the order of the Tribunal dated 11.01.2024 passed in OA No. 651/2023.
2. The OA was registered on the basis of the letter petition dated 17.07.2023 sent by one Krishna Nand Yadav, resident of Village Shahpur, Post Sahodih, PS Basdih Road, Balia, Uttar Pradesh, raising a complaint against five brick kilns operating within the radius of one kilometer of village Badsari and Sahodih and the pollution being caused by these brick kilns resulting in serious health issues to the residents. The applicant had alleged that the operation of th0ese brick kilns violates the rules, and also their illegal operation in the eco-sensitive zone, which is a prohibited area.
13. The Tribunal by order dated 11.01.2024 took note of the grievance of the applicant and had found that the grievance relates to compliance of the environmental norms and therefore, disposed of the OA with the directions to the Member Secretary, UPPCB to consider the grievance raised in the OA, carryout the spot inspection, ascertain the correct position and take appropriate expeditious action. The directions of the Tribunal in the order dated 11.01.2024 was as under: -
"xxx xxx xxx
2. The issue raised in the letter petition relates to compliance of the environmental norms. Hence, considering the nature of the allegation we dispose of the present original application requiring the Member Secretary, Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) to duly consider the grievance raised in the original application, carryout the spot inspection, ascertain the correct position and nature of violation by the brick kilns in question and take appropriate action in accordance with law, as expeditiously as possible preferably, within a period of two months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.
3. Let a copy of this order, along with a copy of the letter petition be sent to the Member Secretary, UPPCB.
4. The action taken report will be submitted by the Member Secretary, UPPCB on or before 30.04.2024 before the Registrar General of the Tribunal by e-mail at [email protected] preferably in the form of searchable PDF/OCR Support PDF and not in the form of Image PDF and if found necessary, the matter will be listed for consideration before the Tribunal."
4. In the Report filed by the UPPCB, along with the covering letter dated 02.05.2024, it was disclosed that in compliance with the order of the Tribunal, RO, UPPCB, Azamgarh, had inspected the area of the eco-
sensitive zone on 04.03.2024 and had found eight brick kilns operating in the eco-sensitive zone. The report further reveals that the closure order dated 15.07.2021 was issued against M/s. Ghanshyam Singh Ent Bhatta, Sahudih, Bansdih, Balia and the closure order dated 25.04.2024 was passed against brick kilns M/s. US Enterprises, Barsari, Bansdih, Balia and M/s. Kashinath Yadav Ent Bhatta, Bakhauta,, Barsari, 2 Bansdih, Balia under Section 31A of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. The said report had revealed the names of the other violating units also. Relevant extract of the action taken report submitted by the UP PCB on 02.05.2024 are as under: -
"Key Issue-
That there are five brick kilns operating within the radius of one kilometer at Gram Sabha Barsari at Sahodih and these brick kilns are causing pollution and affecting the residents in the area of five kilometer and said pollution is leading to various ailments.
Action Taken Report
1. That the Ministry of Environment, Forest And Climate Change, New Delhi vide Notification dated 08.03.2019 has notified an area to an extent of one kilometre uniform around the boundary of Jai Prakash Narayan (Surahatal) Bird Sanctuary, in Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh as Eco-sensitive Zone (hereafter in this report referred to as the Eco-sensitive Zone). According to said notification at page number 22, it is mentioned that "the setting up of brick kilns are prohibited (except as otherwise provided) as per the applicable laws". The copy of the Eco-sensitive Zone Notification Dated 08.03.2019 is being attached herewith as Annexure No.-1 to this report.
2. That in compliance of Hon'ble Tribunal order dated 11.01.2024, the officials of the Regional Office, Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board, Azamgarh has inspected the area of Eco-sensitive Zone on 04.03.2024. A copy of the inspection report dated 06.03.2024 is being attached herewith as Annexure No.-2 to this report.
3. 3. That in pursuance to the above Inspection Report dated 06.03.2024, the details of brick kilns which were found in the Eco-sensitive Zone are tabulated below:
S. Name and Address Brick Status of Consent Current No. Kiln to operate under status of Air/Water Act consent to before the Eco- operate under sensitive Zone Air/Water Act Notification dated 08.03.2019
1. M/s S.K. Ent Udyog Barsair, Granted Valid upto Bansdeeh, Ballia 31.07.2025
2. M/s SP and Sons Ent Bhatta Granted Valid upto Barsari, Sahodeeh, Bansdeeh, 31.07.2025 Ballia.
3. M/s GM Gramoudhyog, Granted Valid upto Jajiyapur, Meritand, Ballia 31.07.2028
4. M/s Sarvajeet Ent Bhatta, Granted Valid upto Barsari, Beruarbari, Sahodeeh, 31.07.2025 Bansdeeh, Ballia 3
5. M/s Vishal Ent Udyog, Granted Valid upto Sidhauli, Kaithauli, Bansdeeh, 31.07.2026 Ballia
6. M/s US Enterprises, Barsari, Granted Not Granted Bansdeeh, Ballia
7. M/s Ghanshyam Singh Ent Granted Not Granted Bhatta, Sahodeeh, Bansdeeh, Ballia
8. M/s Kashinath Yadav Ent Not Granted Not Granted Bhatta, Bhakhauta, Barsari, Bansdeeh, Ballia.
4. That earlier Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board vide letter dated 15.07.2021 had issued closure order against the brick kiln M/s Ghanshyam Singh Ent Bhatta, Sahodeeh, Bansdeeh, Ballia under the section 31 A of The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and subsequently the compliance of the said closure order dated 15.07.2021 for the same was done on 01.04.2024 by the Joint Committee comprising officials of District Administration, Ballia, Mine Department, Ballia and Regional Office, Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board, Azamgarh. The copy of the closure order dated 15.07.2021 and compliance report dated 01.04.2024 are being collectively attached herewith as Annexure No-3 to this report.
5. That further Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board vide letter dated 25.04.2024 has issued closure orders against the brick kilns M/s US Enterprises, Barsari, Bansdeeh, Ballia and M/s Kashinath Yadav Ent Bhatta, Bakhauta, Barsari, Bansdeeh, Ballia under the section 31 A of The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and subsequently the compliance of the said closures order dated 25.04.2024 for the same were done on 26.04.2024 by the Joint Committee comprising officials of District Administration, Ballia, Mine Department, Ballia and Regional Office, Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board, Azamgarh. The copy of the closure orders dated 25.04.2024 and compliance report dated 26.04.2024 are being collectively attached herewith as Annexure No-4 to this report.
6. That further the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board vide letter dated 27.04.2024 has also requested to the Superintendent of Police, Ballia to instruct the respective police station for regular surveillance of the brick kilns M/s US Enterprises, Barsari, Bansdeeh, Ballia and M/s Kashinath Yadav Ent Bhatta, Bakhauta, Barsari, Bansdeeh, Ballia to ensure closure. The copy of the letter dated 27.04.2024 is being attached herewith as Annexure No.-5 to this report."
5. Alongwith above action taken report, the joint Inspection Report was placed on record which had revealed the status of the brick kilns and action initiated against them as under:-
4"सर्वेक्षण के समय ईंट भट्ठं की स्थिति तिम्नर्वि् पायी गयी-
(क) मेससस एस०के० ईंट उद्योग बड़सरी, ब ंसडीह, बलिय
1. प्रश्नगि ईंट भट्ा कायाालय अतभलेखािुसार र्वर्ा 2013 से राज्य बठर्ा द्वारा पत्र सं0-126/एि०ओ०सी० तििांक 23.05.2013 के माध्यम से अिापति प्रमाण पत्र प्राप्त कर िातपि र्व संचातलि है।
2. प्रश्नगि ईंट भट्े कठ र्विामाि में राज्य बठर्ा के संिभा सं0- 157361/UPPCB/Azamgarh (UPPCBRO)CTO/both/BALLIA/2022 तििां क 02.06.2022 द्वारा जल/ र्वायु सहमति र्वैधिा अर्वतध 02.06.2022 से 31.07.2025 िक तिगाि है।
3. लिरीक्षण के समय ईंट भट्ठ संच लित प य गय ।
(ख) मेससस एस०पी० एण्ड सन्स ईंट भट्ठ , बड़सरी, स होडीह, ब ंसडीह, बलिय
1. प्रश्नगि ईंट भट्ा कायाालय अतभलेखािुसार र्वर्ा 2001 से राज्य बठर्ा द्वारा पत्र सं0-2085/एि०ओ०सी० तििांक 21.03.2001 के माध्यम से मेससा अमर तिक फील्ड के िाम से अिापति प्रमाण पत्र प्राप्त कर िातपि था िथा िाम पररर्विाि कर मेससा एस०पी० एण्ड सन्स ईंट भट्ा रखकर संचातलि है।
2. प्रश्नगि ईंट भट्े कठ र्विामाि में राज्य बठर्ा के संिभा सं0- 145630/UPPCB/Azamgarh (UPPCBRO)CTO/both/BALLIA/2021 तििां क 30.12.2021 द्वारा जल/ र्वायु सहमति र्वैधिा अर्वतध 31.12.2021 से 31.07.2025 िक तिगाि है।
3. लिरीक्षण के समय ईंट भट्ठ संच लित प य गय ।
(ग) मेससस जी०एम० ग्र मोद्योग, अजीय पुर, मैरीट ड़, बलिय
1. प्रश्नगि ईंट भट्ा कठ कायाा लय अतभलेखािुसार र्वर्ा 2010 से राज्य बठर्ा के पत्र सं0-108 र्व 109/सह0-233 तििांक 03.05.2010 के माध्यम से प्रथम बार जल/ र्वायु सहमति प्राप्त है िथा ईंट भट्े कठ र्वर्ा 31.12.2020 िक जल/ र्वायु सहमति है।
2. प्रश्नगि ईंट भट्े कठ राज्य बठर्ा द्वारा र्वर्ा 2010 में जल/ र्वायु सहमति तिगाि तकया गया था िथा र्विामाम में राज्य बठर्ा के पत्र सं0- 196230/UPPCB/Azamgarh(UPPCBRO)/CTO/ both/BALLIA/2023 तििांक 10.11.2023 के माध्यम से तििांक 31.07.2028 िक जल/र्वायु सहमति तिगाि तकया गया है।
3. लिरीक्षण के समय ईंट भट्ठ संच लित प य गय ।
(घ) मेससस सर्सजीत ईंट उद्योग, बड़सरी, बेरुआरब री, स होडीह, ब ंसडीह, बलिय 5
1. प्रश्नगि ईंट भट्ा कायाालय अतभलेखािुसार र्वर्ा 2001 से िातपि र्व संचातलि है।
2. ईंट भट्े कठ प्रथम बार राज्य बठर्ा के पत्र सं071298-सहमति र्वायु/ई०बी० 655/200 तििांक 03.02.2006 के माध्यम से तििांक 31.12.2010 िक र्वायु सहमति, र्वर्ा 2010 में तििां क 31.12. 2014 िक जल/र्वायु सहमति, एर्वं र्वर्ा 2016 में तििांक 31.12.2020 िक जल/ र्वायु सहमति तिगाि की गयी थी।
3. प्रश्नगि ईंट भट्े कठ र्विामाि में राज्य बठर्ा के संिभा सं0- 120061/UPPCB/ Azamgarh(UPPCBRO)CTO/water/BALLIA/2021 तििांक 30.12.2021 द्वारा जल सहमति एर्वं संिभा सं0-120061/UPPCB/ Azamgarh(UPPCBRO)CTO/air/BALLIA/ 2021 तििांक 30.12. 2021 द्वारा र्वायु सहमति र्वैधिा अर्वतध 31.12.2021 से 31.07.2025 िक तिगाि है।
4. लिरीक्षण के समय ईंट भट्ठ संच लित प य गय ।
(च) मेससस लर्श ि ईंट उद्योग, लसधौिी, कैथौिी, ब ंसडीह, बलिय
1. प्रश्नगि ईंट भट्ा कायाालय अतभलेखािुसार र्वर्ा 2009 से िातपि र्व संचातलि है।
2. ईंट भट्े कठ प्रथम बार जल/ र्वायु सहमति राज्य बठर्ा के पत्राक-581/ सहमति-366 तििांक 06.09.2016 द्वारा र्वैधिा अर्वतध 06.09.2016 से 31.12.2020 िक तिगाि की गयी है।
3. प्रश्नगि ईंट भट्े कठ र्विामाि में राज्य बठर्ा के संिभा सं0- 168659/UPPCB/ Azamgarh(UPPCBRO)CTO/both/BALLIA/2022 तििांक 15.11.2022 द्वारा जल/र्वायु सहमति र्वैधिा अर्वतध 15.11.2022 से 31.07.2026 िक तिगाि है।
4. लिरीक्षण के समय ईंट भट्ठ संच लित प य गय ।
(छ) मेससस यू०एस० इण्टरप्र इजेज, बड़सरी, ब ंसडीह, बलिय
1. प्रश्नगि ईंट भट्े कठ कायाालय अतभलेखािुसार राज्य बठर्ा के पत्रांक-
432/सहमति-389 तििांक 29.07.2016 द्वारा प्रथम बार जल/ र्वायु सहमति र्वैधिा तििांक 29.07.2016 से 31.12. 2020 िक तिगाि तकया गया था।
2. प्रश्नगि ईंट भट्े कठ र्विामाि में राज्य बठर्ा से जल/ र्वायु सहमति तिगाि िहीं है।
3. प्रश्नगि ईंट भट्े के तर्वरुद्ध कारण बिाओ िठतटस की कायार्वाही की जा रही है।
4. लिरीक्षण के समय ईंट भट्ठ संच लित प य गय ।
(ज) मेससस घिश्य म लसंह ईंट भट्ठ , ग्र म र् पोस्ट-स हूडीह, ब ंसडीह, बलिय 6
1. प्रश्नगि ईंट भट्ा कायाालय अतभलेखािुसार र्वर्ा 2014 से राज्य बठर्ा के पत्रांक-616/एि.ओ. सी.-3/10 तििांक 30.10.2014 के माध्यम से अिापति प्रमाण पत्र प्राप्त कर िातपि र्व संचातलि है।
2. प्रश्नगि ईंट भट्े कठ र्विामाि में राज्य बठर्ा से जल/ र्वायु सहमति तिगाि िहीं है िथा राज्य बठर्ा के पत्रांक-एच. 63450/री-6/सा0-632/ईंट भट्ा/बन्दी आदे श / बलिय /2021 लदि ंक 15.07.2021 के म ध्यम से बंदी आदे श ज री है।
3. लिरीक्षण के समय ईंट भट्ठ संच लित प य गय ।
4. ईंट भट्ठे के लर्रुद्ध लिगसत बन्दी आदे श के अिुप िि की क यसर् ही की ज रही है।
झ) मेससस क शी ि थ य दर् ईंट भट्ठ (पूर्स ि म मेससस आर०एस० ईंट भट्ठ ), बड़सरी, ब ंसडीह, बलिय
1. प्रश्नगि ईंट भट्ा कायाालय अतभलेखािुसार र्वर्ा 2021 से िातपि कर संचातलि है।
2. प्रश्नगत ईंट भट्ठे को र्तसम ि में र ज्य बोडस से जि/ र् यु सहमलत लिगसत िही ं है।
3. लिरीक्षण के समय ईंट भट्ठ संच लित प य गय ।
4. प्रश्नगि ईंट भट्े के तर्वरुद्ध कारण बिाओ िठतटस की कायार्वाही की जा रही है।"
English Translation:
"At the time of survey, the condition of the brick kilns was found to be as follows-
(a) M/s SK Brick Industry Badsari, Bansdih, Ballia
1. As per office records, the brick kiln in question has been established and operated since 2013 after obtaining No Objection Certificate from the State Board vide letter No.-
126/NOC dated 23.05.2013.
2. The brick kiln in question is currently issued water/air consent validity period from 02.06.2022 to 31.07.2025 vide the State Board reference No.-
157361/UPPCB/Azamgarh (UPPCBRO)CTO/both/BALLIA/2022 dated 02.06.2022.
3. The brick kiln was found to be operational at the time of inspection.
(b) M/s SP & Sons Brick Kiln, Badsari, Sahodih, Bansdih, Ballia 7
1. The brick kiln in question was established in the year 2001 as per office records after obtaining No Objection Certificate from the State Board vide letter No.-2085/NOC dated 21.03.2001 in the name of M/s Amar Brick Field and is being operated by changing the name to M/s SP & Sons Brick Kiln.
2. The brick kiln in question is currently issued water/air consent validity period from 31.12.2021 to 31.07.2025 vide the State Board's letter No.-
145630/UPPCB/Azamgarh (UPPCBRO)CTO/both/BALLIA/2021 dated 30.12.2021.
3. The brick kiln was found to be operational at the time of inspection.
(c) M/s GM Gramodyog, Ajiapur, Marytad, Ballia
1. As per office records, the brick kiln in question has received water/air consent for the first time since 2010 vide State Board's letter No. 108 & 109/Co-233 dated 03.05.2010 and the brick kiln has water/air consent till 31.12.2020.
2. The brick kiln in question was issued water/air consent by the State Board in the year 2010 and currently water/air consent has been issued till 31.07.2028 vide State Board's letter No. 196230/UPPCB/Azamgarh(UPPCBRO)/CTO/both/BALLI A/2023 dated 10.11.2023.
3. The brick kiln was found to be operational at the time of inspection.
(d) M/s Sarvjeet Brick Industry, Badsari, Beruarbari, Sahodih, Bansdih, Ballia
1. The brick kiln in question is established and operating since the year 2001 as per office records.
2. The brick kiln was first issued air consent till 31.12.2010 vide State Board's letter No. 71296-Consent Air/EB 655/200 dated 03.02.2006, water/air consent in the year 2010 till 31.12.2014, and water/air consent in the year 2016 till 31.12.2020.
3. The brick kiln in question is currently issued water consent vide the State Board letter no.-
120061/UPPCB/Azamgarh(UPPCBRO)CTO/water/BALLI A/2021 dated 30.12.2021 and air consent vide letter no.- 120061/UPPCB/Azamgarh(UPPCBRO)CTO/air/BALLIA/ 2021 dated 30.12. 2021 with validity period from 31.12.2021 to 31.07.2025.
4. The brick kiln was found to be operational at the time of inspection.
(e) M/s Vishal Brick Industry, Sidhauli, Kaithuli, Bansdih, Ballia
1. The brick kiln in question is established and operational since the year 2009 as per office records.
82. The brick kiln has been issued water/air consent for the first time vide the State Board letter no. 581/consent-366 dated 06.09.2016 with validity period from 06.09.2016 to 31.12.2020.
3. The brick kiln in question is currently issued water/air consent vide the State Board letter no. 168659/UPPCB/ Azamgarh(UPPCBRO)CTO/both/BALLIA/2022 dated 15.11.2022 with validity period from 15.11.2022 to 31.07.2026.
4. The brick kiln was found operational at the time of inspection.
(f) M/s US Enterprises, Badsari, Bansdih, Ballia
1. As per office records, the brick kiln in question was issued water/air consent for the first time by the State Board vide letter no. 432/consent-389 dated 29.07.2016, validity from 29.07.2016 to 31.12.2020.
2. The brick kiln in question currently does not have water/air consent issued by the State Board.
3. Show cause notice proceedings are being initiated against the brick kiln in question.
4. The brick kiln was found to be operational at the time of inspection.
(g) M/s Ghanshyam Singh Brick Kiln, Village and Post- Sahudih, Bansdih, Ballia
1. As per office records, the brick kiln in question is established and operating since 2014 after obtaining No Objection Certificate through State Board's letter no. 616/N.O.C.-3/10 dated 30.10.2014.
2. The brick kiln in question currently does not have water/air consent from the State Board and a closure order has been issued through State Board's letter no. H. 63450/Re-6/Sa0-632/Brick Kiln/Closure Order/Ballia/ 2021 dated 15.07.2021.
3. The brick kiln was found to be operational at the time of inspection.
4. Action is being taken to comply with the closure order issued against the brick kiln.
(h) M/s Kashi Nath Yadav Brick Kiln (Formerly known as M/s RS Brick Kiln), Badsari, Bansdih, Ballia
1. The brick kiln in question has been established and is operational since 2021 as per office records.
2. The brick kiln in question currently does not have water/air consent from the State Board.
3. At the time of inspection, the brick kiln was found to be operational.
4. Show cause notice proceedings are being initiated against the brick kiln in question."
96. The Tribunal in the order dated 20.12.2024 had taken note of the above reports and had impleaded the eight brick kilns, as respondent nos. 6 to 13, which were found to be operating in the ESZ in addition to other concerned Respondents and had issued notices to them.
7. The UPPCB has filed the response dated 15.04.2025, disclosing that the closure orders have been passed against respondent nos. 6 to 13 and the consent to operate of respondent nos. 6 to 10 has been revoked.
The said reply also reveals that the SHO of Police Station Bansdih, Balia has been requested by the UPPCB to instruct the concerned officer to undertake the surveillance of the brick kilns to ensure their continued closure. The report of the UPPCB dated 15.04.2025 discloses the action taken as under: -
"xxx xxx xxx
2. That vide its order dated 17.02.2025 this Hon'ble National Green Tribunal, Principal Bench, New Delhi (hereinafter Hon'ble Tribunal) has directed the UPPCB to ensure that no brick kiln in Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) operates in violation of the laws and disclose the action taken against the brick kilns operating in violation of the law in ESZ area in the next fresh affidavit.
3. That the brick kilns which were found in the Eco-sensitive Zone are tabulated below:
S. Name and Address Brick Kiln Respondent in No. this OA
1. M/s S.K. Ent Udyog Barsair, Bansdeeh, Ballia Respondent No. 6
2. M/s SP and Sons Ent Bhatta Barsari, Sahodeeh, Respondent No. 7 Bansdeeh, Ballia.
3. M/s GM Gramoudhyog, Jajiyapur, Meritand, Respondent No. 8 Ballia
4. M/s Sarvajeet Ent Bhatta, Barsari, Beruarbari, Respondent No. 9 Sahodeeh, Bansdeeh, Ballia
5. M/s Vishal Ent Udyog, Sidhauli, Kaithauli, Respondent No.10 Bansdeeh, Ballia
6. M/s US Enterprises, Barsari, Bansdeeh, Ballia Respondent No.11
7. M/s Ghanshyam Singh Ent Bhatta, Sahodeeh, Respondent No.12 Bansdeeh, Ballia
8. M/s Kashinath Yadav Ent Bhatta, Bhakhauta, Respondent No.13 Barsari, Bansdeeh, Ballia.10
4. That in compliance to the order passed by this Hon'ble Tribunal, the Regional Office of UPPCB, Azamgarh vide its letter dated 21.02.2025 has revoked the Consent to Operate under Section 27(2) of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and under Section 21(4) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 of the brick kilns from Respondent No-6 to 10, as mentioned in the above table. The copies of the letter dated 21.02.2025 are collectively being attached herewith as Annexure No.-R2/1.
5. That further, UPPCB vide letter dated 05.03.2025 has issued the Closure Order under Section 31(A) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 of the brick kilns from Respondent No- 6 to 10, as mentioned in the above table, subsequently the compliance of the said closures order dated 05.03.2025 has been complied on 06.03.2025 by the Joint Committee comprising officials of District Administration, Ballia, Mine Department, Ballia, Zila Panchayat, Ballia and Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board. The copy of the closure orders dated 05.03.2025 and compliance reports dated 06.03.2025 are being collectively attached herewith as Annexure No.-R2/2.
6. That against the rest of the brick kilns from Respondent No-11 to 13 of the table, the UPPCB has issued closure orders under Section 31A of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, as amended. The details of the same have been mentioned in the previous report dated 02.05.2024 filed by UPPCB which is already on record of this Hon'ble Tribunal.
7. That further, UPPCB vide letter dated 07.03.2025 has requested the SHO, Police Station- Bansdeeh, Ballia to instruct the concerned officer to undertake regular surveillance of the brick kilns 1st (Respondent No-6 to 13) in question to ensure their continued closure. The copy of the letter dated 07.03.2025 is being annexed herewith as Annexure No.-R2/3.
8. That for the past violations, the UPPCB has issued a show cause notices on 14.02.2025 against the brick kiln being Respondent Nos. 11, 12 and 13, regarding imposition of an Environmental Compensation for operation of the brick kilns in question without having valid Consent to Operate and subsequently UPPCB vide letter dated 04.04.2025 has imposed the Environmental Compensation. The copies of the said letters dated 04.04.2025 are collectively being attached herewith as Annexure No.-R2/4.
9. That the Annexures produced along with the present Affidavit are true copies of their respective originals.
10. That the present Action Taken Report on behalf of the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board is being submitted before this Hon'ble Tribunal for its kind perusal and necessary consideration."
8. The above report also reveals that the UPPCB has issued Show Cause Notice to respondents 11 to 13 for imposition of the environmental 11 compensation for operating the brick kilns without valid consent to operate and has passed the orders dated 04.04.2025 imposing the environmental compensation of ₹1,81,250/- against respondent no. 12- M/s. Ghanshyam Singh Ent Bhatta, environmental compensation of ₹34,37,250/- against respondent no. 11-M/s. US Enterprises and environmental compensation of ₹3,31,250/- against respondent no. 13- M/s. Kashinath Yadav Ent Bhatta. Thus, we find that the requisite action has already been taken by the Respondent-UPPCB against the violating brick kilns. If the Respondent brick kilns are aggrieved by the closure orders or imposition of the environmental compensation against them, then they have the remedy of appeal/challenging these orders in any appropriate proceedings before the competent forum. Since, the needful has been done, therefore, the MA is disposed of.
9. All the pending applications also stand disposed of.
Prakash Shrivastava, CP Sudhir Agarwal, JM Dr. A. Senthil Vel, EM May 22, 2025 MA No. 88/2024 in OA No. 651/2023 (MA No. 47/2025) Avt..
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