NGT directs UP to file reply to plea deal on exemption of environmental clearance for brick kilns, ET RealEstate

NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to file a reply on a petition questioning the exemption of circular brick kiln mining and excavations up to two meters from environmental clearance obligations. .

The state government, in a notification dated May 1, 2020, had given exemption to brick kilns and certain pottery works (handmade clay pots). The circular was questioned on the grounds that it did not comply with the Supreme Court’s directions mandating environmental impact assessment clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

The Supreme Court’s 2012 direction concerned small-scale mineral mining projects leased in an area of ​​5 hectares or less. According to the petition, the Union Environment Ministry had issued a notification regarding mandatory environmental clearance in January 2016, following the directions of the Supreme Court.

A bench of Chief Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Member A. Senthil Bhelu said the issues raised in the petition involved “serious issues” regarding compliance with environmental laws. Ta.

“Respondent No. 3, State of Uttar Pradesh, is directed to file reply by the next date of hearing,” the court said in its recent order.

The green panel also issued notices to the respondents, including the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the state of Uttar Pradesh.

The matter was listed for further hearing on December 11.

Advocate Gaurav Kumar Bansal had filed the petition on behalf of the environmental activists.

Bansal submitted that the exemption given to the kiln is in violation of the ministry’s notification and the environment laws.