#CPCB guidelines

The National Green Tribunal has mandated that all petrol retail outlets must be situated at least 50 metres away from irrigation canals to prevent contamination of water sources and protect agricultural livelihoods. This ruling enforces the Central Pollution Control Board’s environmental siting standards and sets a binding precedent for state authorities issuing NOCs near water bodies.

The Supreme Court ruled that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) cannot outsource its judicial function to expert committees or issue orders without proper notice, reinforcing the principles of natural justice. The judgment underscores that environmental adjudication must remain with the NGT, ensuring accountability and procedural fairness in disputes involving CPCB guidelines and public utilities.

NGT holds that new petrol pumps violating 50-meter buffer from surface water bodies under CPCB guidelines are unlawful, even if water body is seasonal. Mandates monitoring, compensation, and remediation.