New Delhi: National Green Tribunal (NGT) has upheld a Rs 10 lakh environmental compensation imposed on a Delhi unit for carrying out denim cloth processing, washing and dyeing without the requisite regulatory clearances and discharging untreated trade effluent into the sewer.A bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Dr Afroz Ahmad in an order dated Aug 24 dismissed an appeal against the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) order of July 17, 2025.The case followed a joint inspection by officials of MCD, DPCC, BSES, Delhi Jal Board and Delhi Police, constituted by DPCC in May 2023. The officials had found and reported that the entire trade effluent generated during washing activity was being discharged directly into the sewer without treatment. Processed, sun-dried cloth was also found stacked on the first floor. The inspection team reported that access to the washing and dyeing unit had allegedly been created through a bypass around sealed portions of the premises.MCD subsequently sealed parts of the building, while the DJB and BSES disconnected water and electricity connections.The appellant argued that the washing machine seized during the inspection was a commonly used appliance and did not prove dyeing activity. He also submitted that he was a “Rangrej“ by profession and was dyeing turbans and dupattas, rather than jeans.The tribunal rejected these arguments, noting that the inspection team had found other items along with the washing machine and had specifically recorded denim dyeing and processing at the premises. It also said the appellant’s profession had no bearing on the legality of operating a Red Category industrial activity in a non-conforming area without requisite clearances.DPCC’s show-cause notice had classified the activity as Red Category, citing its high water-pollution potential. The tribunal noted that the appellant had not filed a reply to the notice and held that the Rs 10 lakh compensation was imposed after following principles of natural justice.NGT gave the appellant four months to deposit the compensation.
