NGT slaps heavy fines on fish meal units in Ullal for violating rules

Mangaluru, Jul 14: The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Chennai bench has imposed fine on fish meal units in Ullal for contravening the rules under Coastal Regulation Zone and causing water pollution and air pollution (Smell Nuisance).

The action comes following a complaint by Mohammed Kabir, an activist from Ullal against M/s Indian Fish Meal and Oil Products and 14 other units.

The NGT (Single Bench) disposed the above application and imposed penalty under polluter pay principle and directed the errant units to pay the penalty to Environment Relief Fund established under National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 within a month from date of the judgment.

The NGT has imposed a penalty of Rs 25-lakh on the Fishmeal and Oil Manufacturing Association and fine of Rs 5 lakh each on nine units and Rs 8 lakh on five units, the order stated.

Units on whom penalty of Rs 5 lakh has been imposed are Indian Fish Meal and Oil Products, S N Marine Products, Indo Fish Meal Co, Super Aqua Tech, Mangaluru Marine Products, Ullal Fish Meal and Oil Co, Mangaluru Fish Meal and Oil Co, Bawa Fish Meal and Oil Co; and Marine Products.

Units to pay Rs 8-lakh fine are Fahad Fish Meal and Oil Co, Mangaluru Fish Meal and Oil Co, United Marine Products., Mangaluru Sea Products, and Haris Marina Products.

The NGT (single bench) has further ordered to stop forthwith operation of Asian Fish Meal and Oil Co. The NGT has directed Karnataka State Pollution Control Board to continue monitoring of above units and also not to allow them to operate unless the central effluent treatment plant is made functional by meeting all required standards.

Also individual units shall install the deodorisers to control smell nuisance and evaporators and make them fully functional, NGT added.