SHIMLA, Feb 18 : The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Principal Bench at New Delhi, has issued notice to the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HP SPCB) and other respondents in an appeal filed by KDK Steel Industry challenging the imposition of environmental compensation.
The matter, was heard on February 16 by a Bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson, and A Senthil Vel, expert member.
The appeal has been filed under Section 16 of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, assailing the HP SPCB’s order dated December 8, 2025. Through the impugned order, the Board had imposed an Environmental Compensation (EC) of Rs. 11,76,600 on the appellant under Section 33-A of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
Counsel appearing for the appellant submitted that a legible copy of the impugned order had not been supplied, stating that the version placed on record was unclear. It was further contended that the sample in question had been collected from the inlet of the Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) and that due procedure was not followed in the sampling process.
The appellant also argued that the order was passed without affording an opportunity of hearing, thereby violating principles of natural justice. It was submitted that the environmental compensation amount had already been deposited. According to the appellant, the electricity connection of the industrial unit had been disconnected following the order and was restored only after the compensation amount was paid.
After hearing the submissions, the Tribunal issued notice to the respondents.
The appellant has been directed to serve the respondents and file an affidavit of service at least one week prior to the next date of hearing.
The matter has been listed for further consideration on May 20, 2026. (UNI)
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