Supreme Court Orders Closure of Non-Compliant Industries in Taj Trapezium Area
The Supreme Court of India has directed the immediate closure of non-compliant industries in the Taj Trapezium area, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to natural gas supply directives to combat environmental pollution. The case, brought by the Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL), sought relief regarding the supply of natural gas to industries in Agra, where only 115 out of 168 consumers had complied with earlier court orders by the end of 1998. Notably, 79 cupola-based iron foundries had failed to convert to natural gas, citing pending technology development from the National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML).
The court issued notices to these industries, highlighting the severe environmental risks posed by continued coal and coke usage. It mandated the closure of 53 non-compliant iron foundries and required 29 non-cupola industries to accept gas supply by September 15, 1999, or face closure. For the 78 cupola-based industries, the court enforced compliance with the gas supply directive from the same date, allowing temporary closure until conversion to natural gas was possible.
The decision underscored the balance between industrial operations and environmental protection, with the court emphasizing the urgency of addressing pollution in the Taj Trapezium area. The court also directed the Union of India to examine expert reports on the laying of gas pipelines in Zones II and III, further stressing the need for compliance with environmental regulations.