Jaipur: National Green Tribunal (NGT) has instructed Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB) to impose Environmental Damage Compensation (EDC) on operators of illegal scrap-burning furnaces situated near the Rajasthan-Haryana border. The decision follows a suo motu examination concerning the environmental degradation caused by these unlawful operations in the Tauru region.An inspection carried out on April 25, 2025, revealed the presence of multiple illegal furnaces near Udhanwas village in Rajasthan and Nurpur in Haryana. The inspection team reported that locals identified around eight to ten of these units, with some allegedly functioning late at night to avoid detection. The authorities discovered large amounts of waste rubber and plastic automobile cuttings likely sourced from industrial areas in Manesar and Gurgaon.The NGT order dated Aug 31 highlights that these materials were being burned or melted in open crucibles without any safety measures to contain emissions, directly releasing pollutants into the atmosphere. The reckless disregard for the environment violates the Water Act, Air Act, and Environment Protection Act, posing serious risks to public health, wildlife, and local ecological systems.On May 2, 2025, a joint enforcement operation led to dismantling of eight illegal furnaces in Rajasthan. However, RSPCB’s report to the tribunal did not detail actions to reclaim EDC for prior violations, despite acknowledging possession of violators’ information.Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Member Afroz Ahmad have mandated the RSPCB to levy EDC on the identified offenders while adhering to principles of natural justice, with a completion deadline set within three months.In Haryana, a similar illegal operation in Milakpur village was shut down after immediate intervention from the Haryana State Pollution Control Board, which assessed an interim environmental compensation of Rs 6.93 lakh to address the situation. NGT has called for both state pollution boards to conduct regular monitoring of the affected areas, requiring them to submit comprehensive action-taken reports after three months.
