New Delhi, Mar 21 (KNN) The Supreme Court has refused to grant blanket permission for setting up or expanding Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) without an assessment of their environmental impact.

The Court emphasised that permissions must be industry-specific and contingent on pollution assessments.

A bench comprising Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan stated that TTZ Authority must justify approvals for particular industries and ensure that pollution concerns are addressed.

Justice Oka remarked, “We don’t know whether these are polluting industries or non-polluting industries. Such blanket permission can never be granted.”

The ruling came while hearing an interlocutory application (IA) in the ongoing MC Mehta case concerning environmental issues in TTZ. The TTZ Authority had sought a modification of the Court’s October 14, 2024, order to allow MSME establishments.

Previously, the Court had ordered the State Government to notify 60 industries regarding TTZ regulations. The Court directed that industries failing to submit counter affidavits must do so within 10 days and ordered copies to be furnished to Amicus Curiae Liz Matthew.

The Court also suggested that the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) might be directed to inspect these industries to assess pollution levels.

In a related matter, the Court directed UP Jal Nigam and Agra Municipal Corporation to comply with its directives on desilting the Yamuna riverbed and ensuring proper drainage management. Compliance reports are due by April 15, 2025.

Additionally, the Court imposed a Rs. 5 lakh fine on the UP State Bridge Corporation for unauthorised tree felling in TTZ, mandating the amount be deposited with NEERI within a month.

(KNN Bureau)