NGT bans tyre burning in the open, re-use of tyres as fuel

The western zone bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has banned the burning of tyres in public areas and also the reuse of old tyres as fuel in industries and brick kilns.
The bench has instructed the environment division of the state government to take a resolution on the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board’s (MPCB) suggestions in 8 weeks and release essential notification in 2 weeks later. Burning of tyres in open areas, public places and localities, such as residential areas, schools, hospitals and offices, is banned, the bench noted whilst holding the police, district administration and ULBs (Urban Local Bodies) accountable for executing the prohibition. Any disobedience has to be regarded as an offence under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (disobedience to order promulgated by public servant), it said.
The direction was circulated on a petition filed by city-based Sahyog Trust, which upraised thoughtful worries over burning of tyres on human health as tyre burning yields poisonous smoke which is dangerous to the total environment and human health.
The bench observed that the Central Pollution Control Board (CPBC) is fostering the use of old tyres as fuel in cement, power and steel industry, however several aspects such as the pollution latent, tyre generation data, technology choices, techno-economic feasibility and social consequences must be well thought-out.

Why burning of tyres is harmful for environment?

Burning tyres emit toxic soup of pollutants that contains harmful gases and chemicals viz. carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, chromium, arsenic, zinc, barium, cobalt, copper, iron, aluminum, manganese and vanadium, etc. which are hazardous to the human beings as well as to the environment. Minuscule particles released during the burning can settle deep in the lungs. Tyres contain 25 % extender oils derived from benzene, 25% styrene, a derivative of benzene, and 25% 1,3 butadiene. – both benzene and 1,3 butadiene are suspected human carcinogens. (A carcinogen is any substance, radionuclide or radiation, that is an agent directly involved in causing cancer).

 About National Green Tribunal

• A special fast-track court to handle the expeditious disposal of the cases pertaining to environmental issues.
• Established on October, 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010.
• Objective: For effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources including enforcement of any legal right relating to environment and giving relief and compensation for damages to persons and property and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
• Shall not be bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but shall be guided by principles of natural justice.
• New Delhi is the Principal Place of Sitting of the Tribunal and Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai shall be the other four place of sitting of the Tribunal.

Note: The National Green Tribunal ruling can only be challenged in the Supreme Court.

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2014