578 mills in Rajasthan to reopen

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has allowed the conditional reopening of 578 textile units in Rajasthan’s Pali district that had been shut for the last eight months for flouting pollution norms.

The Jodhpur bench of the tribunal, comprising Justice Jawad Rahim and member BS Sajwan, permitted the reopening of these industries, engaged in dyeing and printing of cloth, after the unites gave an assurance that they would comply with any direction passed by the tribunal.

They also took into account the adverse effect the closure had on the employment and livelihood of workers directly or indirectly dependent on the industries. The prolonged closure had also resulted in surreptitious and illegal dyeing and bleaching activities.

NGT also ordered the setting up of a monitoring committee comprising representatives of IIT Jodhpur, the Central Pollution Control Board and the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board, directing them to submit a report on the next hearing.