Mumbai: NGT Dismisses Pollution Allegations Against Bharat Serums' Ambernath Plant, Confirms Airoli Unit’s Compliance With Environmental Standards

Mumbai: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has dismissed allegations of water pollution against the Ambernath plant of Bharat Serums and Vaccines (BSV), a pharmaceutical company, and declared its Airoli unit as compliant with environmental standards.

The decision came after detailed scrutiny of the claims and counterclaims regarding pollution in Chikhloli Dam and the environmental compliance of the company’s operations.

The applicant had alleged that the Ambernath plant caused water pollution in the Chikhloli Dam by allegedly discharging effluents. However, BSV argued that all wastewater, including trade and sewage, was recycled and reused within the plant.

The company submitted reports of regular environmental monitoring, conducted in coordination with the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), which showed no evidence of pollution.

The tribunal found the arguments and evidence presented by BSV convincing. Notably, a letter from the Thane Irrigation Department confirmed that the Ambernath plant lies outside the catchment area of Chikhloli Dam, making any pollution allegations baseless. Further, an inspection report by MPCB dated January 2023 supported the company’s claim of compliance.

“Without credible evidence of contamination in the dam’s water, the applicant’s claims appear unfounded,” the tribunal concluded.

The second issue was pertained to the categorization of the company’s Airoli unit. Initially classified under the Red Category (indicating high pollution potential), the MPCB later reclassified it under the Orange Category, which includes facilities with lower environmental risks. The applicant contested this change, alleging manufacturing activities at the site that could contribute to pollution.

The tribunal reviewed the case and noted that the unit was primarily engaged in research and development (R&D) activities and not manufacturing. The reclassification by MPCB, though initially erroneous, was deemed appropriate based on Central Pollution Control Board guidelines.

“The applicant’s emphasis on the change in category from Red to Orange holds no significant merit,” the tribunal observed, adding that there was no evidence of pollution caused by the Airoli unit.

The tribunal dismissed all issues raised by the applicant, finding no substantial evidence to support the claims of pollution or procedural violations by the company. “This decision reaffirms that the Ambernath and Airoli units of BSV have adhered to environmental standards,” the tribunal stated.