The Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in New Delhi has issued a notice regarding alleged environmental violations by Kinvan Private Limited, a pharmaceutical manufacturing unit operating in Palasra village, Nalagarh Tehsil, Solan district, Himachal Pradesh. This case is significant for its implications regarding adherence to environmental standards, the protection of water sources, and industrial pollution.
The application filed alleges that the company provided incorrect information in its Form-II while obtaining Environmental Clearance. According to the application, the company claimed that the unit would generate no wastewater and that there were no water sources in the vicinity; however, the Chikni Khad—a tributary of the Sarsa River—is located close to the unit.
The application further alleges that, despite being designated as a ‘Zero Liquid Discharge’ unit, the company is allegedly discharging wastewater and chemical waste illegally into the Chikni Khad. Serious allegations have also been raised regarding the disposal of toxic wastewater, groundwater extraction via six borewells instead of the single authorized one, fish mortality, and damage to the surrounding environment.
The applicants informed the Tribunal that the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board had initially given the company a clean chit but later issued a show-cause notice regarding the alleged violations.
They stated that no final decision has been taken on this notice yet. To substantiate their claims, the applicants have submitted documents, news reports, and photographs to the Tribunal.
During the hearing, the NGT acknowledged that the matter raises significant questions concerning environmental protection, the safeguarding of water resources, and compliance with environmental regulations. Consequently, the Tribunal issued notices to all respondents and directed the applicants to file an affidavit confirming the service of notice at least one week prior to the next hearing.
This order was passed on July 31, 2026, by the bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson) and Dr. Afroz Ahmad (Expert Member) in Original Application No. 446/2026 (Dharminder Singh & Others vs. Kinwan Pvt. Ltd. & Others). The next hearing of the matter is scheduled for October 12, 2026.