NGT orders closure of polluting ceramic units in Morbi

National watchdog on environmental matters has on Wednesday, asked ceramic units in Morbi, using coal as a fuel, to immediately shut down. This will affect about 390 of 1,000 units. Industry players said they may appeal against the order.

New Delhi bench of National Green Tribunal (NGT) also said in its order that a committee headed by a retired High Court judge and members consisting of experts from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) will conduct a survey and submit a report to NGT and pressed upon the fact that industry be made to pay for the pollution they are causing.

PNG (pipe natural gas) is considered to be friendlier to environment compared to coal. However, one cubic metre of gas costs Rs 36, compared to Rs 20 in case of coal. K G Kundariya, former president of Morbi Ceramics Association – Vitrified Tiles Division, acknowledged that NGT has passed such an order, although the final copy will be available in about two days. "We may go for an appeal against the order by NGT. We feel that some of the aspects presented by the industry may not have given proper importance by the tribunal," said Kundariya, adding that while most units have shifted to NGT, those using coal as a fuel are not causing pollution the way it is projected.

Eco-Friendly Gas

Piped natural gas is considered to be friendlier to environment compared to coal. However, one cubic metre of gas costs Rs 36, compared to Rs 20 in case of coal.