Says company had paid EDC of Rs 12.34 lakh
PANAJI
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has disposed of a matter pertaining to widespread fish mortality at Velsao Bay and a brackish rivulet in Goa, observing that no further action was warranted against Paradeep Phosphates Ltd after environmental compensation had already been imposed and paid.
In its recent order, the Bench of Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh and Vijay Kulkarni took note of the submission made by the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), stating that although pollution was initially detected near the site due to the activities by the firm, there was no established link between the company’s (Respondent 5) operations and the one-off fish kill incident reported in the media.
The Tribunal further noted that the company had already paid an Environmental Damage Compensation (EDC) of Rs 12.37 lakh and submitted a Bank Guarantee of Rs 25 lakh for compliance under the Consent to Operate.
Earlier during the hearing, the GSPCB, in its reply affidavit, informed the Tribunal that several inspections were conducted at the company’s Zuarinagar unit in May, June, July and August 2024. During these visits, samples collected from the beach and rivulet revealed elevated levels of Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen and Potassium, particularly during the monsoon period. The presence of these elements in puddle water suggested stormwater runoff and possible effluent spillages.
After these findings, the Board issued a show-cause notice to the company on June 28, 2024, directing it to explain why it should not be penalized. After considering the company’s reply, directions were issued on July 12, 2024, to deposit the EDC, which was duly complied with the same day.
The GSPCB also confirmed that Paradeep Phosphates was granted valid Consent to Operate under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, for the manufacture of fertilizers and associated by-products. Subsequent inspections verified compliance with pollution control norms, including the dismantling of an emergency discharge pipeline into the sea, as per specific conditions of the Consent.
Taking into account the GSPCB’s report, the NGT held to dispose of the matter. “In view of the reply submitted by GSPCB, we do not find any justification to keep this matter pending nor does it require any order to be passed against Respondent No.5. Hence, this application deserves to be disposed of and is accordingly disposed of,” reads the order.
