NGT Faults Delay in Pollution Report from Solan Distillery

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) criticized the delay in sample collection and reporting by a joint committee formed to investigate pollution in Solan, Himachal Pradesh. The NGT mentioned suspicions of local interference and urged quick action, setting an October 23 deadline for the new report submission.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has expressed strong disapproval over delays in collecting samples and reporting pollution from a natural water source in Solan, Himachal Pradesh, allegedly contaminated by a distillery owned by Mohan Meakin Private Limited.

Initially, a panel was formed in January to inspect the water source, but the credibility of its reports was questioned, leading to the formation of a new joint committee in April. However, this committee also missed deadlines, submitting an incomplete report by July.

The NGT suspects local interference may be hindering the process and has called for the member secretary of the Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board to explain the delays. The tribunal has set a new deadline for October 23 to present a comprehensive report.