Mumbai: In the wake of increasing pollution in Navi Mumbai, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed industries in Taloja that are not complying with pollution norms to be closed.

While hearing a petition on pollution in the Kasardi river in Navi Mumbai due to industrial effluents in Taloja, the tribunal directed the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to suspend the ‘consent to operate’ given to industries in Taloja that are not meeting pollution norms, until such time remedial steps are taken.

The petition contended that the Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) is still not functioning despite repeated directions, and untreated effluents are being discharged into the Kasardi river. A two-member bench of the NGT comprising Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel and Justice K. Ramakrishnan observed that pollution is still continuing and the only option is to shut down industries that are the source of pollution till remedial action is taken.

“The learned counsel for MIDC and MPCB are unable to provide any other solution. The mere fact that MIDC has assigned the work to a contractor does not absolve MDIC of its responsibility of operating CETP as per norms,” read the order.

The court further ordered that the MPCB should decide on the matter and take measures within two weeks.