Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Jul 14: Southern bench of National Green Tribunal at Chennai has imposed fine of Rs 25 lac on a Fishmeal company at Ullal and ordered closure of Asian Fishmeal. The order was passed in pursuance with an application filed by Muhammed Kabir from Ullal here against Indian Fishmeal and 14 other industries functioning at Ullal.

Kabir had alleged that these industries involved with manufacture of fish products were causing water pollution, air pollution, stench, and violation of Coastal Regulaltory Zone rules. He had prayed for stopping environmental damage caused by these industries.

The Chennai bench of the tribunal, while disposing off the petition, imposed fine of Rs 25 lac on Fishmeal and Oil Manufacturers Association, named as 24th defendant. The other industries, Indian Fishmeal, S M Marine Products, Indo Fishmeal Company, Super Aquatech, Mangalore Marine products, Ullal Fishmeal, Mangalore Fishmeal, Span Aquatech, and Marine Products have been ordered to pay fine of Rs 5 lac each.

At the same time, fines of Rs 8 lac have been imposed on Pahad Fishmeal Company, Mangalore Fishmeal and Oil Company, United Marine products, Harris Marine Products, and Mangalore Sea Products .

The bench has ordered immediate closure of Asian Fishmeal and Oil Company. It has also ordered the pollution control board to conduct inspection of the effluents treatment plant installed jointly by these industries and check whether it has been installed in tune with the directions issued by the board.