NGT Directs Aurangabad's Nabinagar Thermal Power Plant to Comply with Environmental Regulations

02 Jan 2025

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed two thermal power plants in Nabinagar, located in Bihar's Aurangabad district, to address minor violations of environmental regulations. The directive follows an original application filed based on a letter petition submitted by Vijay Kumar Singh, also known as Dablu Singh, a resident of Aurangabad.

The complainant stated that the fuel used for power generation at two National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) thermal plants contained waste material, black filter dust, and discarded coal, leading to air pollution and presenting health risks to local residents.

After preliminarily determining that a significant environmental issue had emerged, the NGT ordered the formation of a Joint Committee consisting of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB), the Integrated Regional Office of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, and the District Magistrate of Aurangabad.

In November 2024, the Joint Committee presented a report to the Tribunal, offering its observations and recommendations following site visits to both thermal power plants.

"The report highlights that, on major issues, the project proponents have not been found to violate environmental laws. However, it identifies some minor instances of non-compliance in other areas. As a result, the Joint Committee has recommended that appropriate actions be taken regarding these issues, as outlined in the said report," stated the bench led by Judicial Member Justice Sudhir Agarwal.

The NGT accepted the report and instructed the relevant project proponents to implement the recommendations of the Joint Committee by taking the necessary actions within three months.