Chandigarh News: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed a fine of Rs 5 million on a pharmaceutical company in Punjab. This action was taken against Nectar Life Sciences Limited, located in Haibatpur village of Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Nawanshahr) district. NGT has imposed an interim fine of Rs 5 million on the company for violating environmental norms. Nectar Life Sciences is a pharmaceutical company that manufactures antibiotics. The company was allegedly dumping highly contaminated chemical waste on fields, causing enormous damage to crops and land.
NGT has also raised questions over the efficiency of the Punjab State Pollution Control Board (PSPCB). The court ordered the board to initiate criminal proceedings against the non-compliant company and determine the final amount of environmental compensation.
Does not comply with Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD)
A bench headed by NGT chairman Justice Prakash Srivastava said the company has so far failed to meet the Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) standards and is continuously violating the Water Act.
elimination of antibiotic residues
The company mainly produces antibiotics. Residues of medications, such as cephalosporin antibiotics, are found in wastewater. Which are highly toxic and difficult to degrade. NGT has ordered a detailed investigation into the sewage.
Provisional fine of 5 million rupees
The annual turnover of the company is Rs 1,698.66 million. The NGT calculated the compensation at Rs 8.5 crore based on 0.5% of the current financial year’s turnover. The PSPCB has been ordered to deposit an interim fine of Rs 5 million within two months.
Illegal drainage and smoke emission
The NGT claimed that the company had committed several environmental violations. In which black smoke is released from the boiler. Improper wastewater disposal. Partial operation of the Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP). Manipulating data on groundwater use involves manipulation.
Strict instructions for the future.
NGT directed PSPCB to conduct regular audits and ensure that the company strictly complies with environmental laws. Additionally, criminal cases must be registered against the company for past violations.
