NGT Orders UPPCB to Investigate Allegations of Agra Hospital Operating Without Environmental Clearance

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has instructed the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) to investigate claims against a private medical college and hospital in Agra. Allegations suggest that the FH Medical College and Hospital is functioning without the necessary environmental clearance (EC) and other permits. The NGT's directive follows a plea highlighting these concerns.

Businesses, including healthcare facilities, must secure the consent to establish (CTE) and consent to operate (CTO) from the UPPCB. The state-level environment impact assessment authorities (SEIAA) are responsible for granting the EC. Despite a legal notice sent to SEIAA in June, no action was reportedly taken regarding the hospital's missing EC.

Environmental Clearance Concerns

The NGT bench, led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, noted these allegations during an order issued on October 4. The bench also included judicial member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member A Senthil Vel. They observed that some crucial details, like the hospital's constructed area, were not disclosed in the plea.

The tribunal stated, "We are of the opinion that the grievance raised by the applicant can be duly looked into and examined, at the first instance, by the member secretary, UPPCB." This indicates that the UPPCB should initially address and assess the applicant's concerns.

Directive for Swift Action

The NGT has directed the UPPCB's member secretary to thoroughly evaluate these grievances. The tribunal expects an appropriate decision to be made according to legal standards as quickly as possible, ideally within three months. This timeline underscores the urgency of resolving these environmental compliance issues.

The tribunal's decision aims to ensure that all necessary environmental regulations are adhered to by healthcare establishments. This move highlights the importance of maintaining strict oversight on environmental clearances for such institutions to operate legally and sustainably.