The Uttar Pradesh pollution control board has asked Samsung India to get the necessary environmental clearances for the ongoing expansion activity at its Sector 83 factory. It has advised the company to seek consent at the earliest.
The notice, issued by the regional office of the UPPCB, says the facility must comply with clauses of the Environment Protection Act of 1986, according to which any construction needs prior environmental clearance for air and water usage and a 'consent to establish', which are all parts of standard environment clearance norms.
Commenting on the notice, UPPCB regional officer BB Awasthi said, "We checked their nature of work. It does not fall under the category of a polluting industry. However, they would need consent for establishment of their new expansion activity. We have notified the matter to our headquarters in Lucknow and the matter is being processed there. The company has been asked to produce their existing compliance certifications with us, and in case of expansion, they would have to procure the same for the coverage of the new areas."
The notice was sent by the UPPCB regional office on the basis of a complaint from local environmental activist Vikrant Tongad.
"Environmental clearances are a necessary part of any fresh construction or expansion," Tongad said.
"We have started making an audit of all commercial constructions that are flouting these norms and will bring them to the notice of the National Green Tribunal."
In response to queries on the notice, Samsung India said necessary permissions have been applied for. "Samsung respects and abides by the law of the land wherever it operates, including in India. Accordingly, Samsung India continues to follow the due process of law for any activity that requires regulatory approvals in Noida," a Samsung India spokesperson said.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/