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Delhi Pollution Control Committee Submits Status Report on Pharmaceutical Toxicity Compliance to NGT

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), along with the Government of NCT of Delhi, has submitted a detailed status report to the Hon’ble National Green Tribunal (NGT) in response to the tribunal’s order dated May 6, 2024. The report addresses the compliance of pharmaceutical companies in Delhi with environmental norms, as highlighted in the news article titled "Impact of Pharmaceutical Toxicity on the Environment and Its Regulatory Aspects," published in Current Science on February 25, 2024.

Background and Context

The NGT took up the matter on May 6, 2024, following concerns raised in the news article regarding the environmental impact of pharmaceutical toxicity. The tribunal issued notices to 76 respondents, including the DPCC, requesting reports on compliance with environmental norms by pharmaceutical companies, regulatory guidelines in force, and actions taken against non-compliant companies.

Details of the Report Submitted by DPCC

In compliance with the NGT's order, the DPCC submitted its status report, which includes the following key points:

Non-Existence of Bulk Drug Manufacturing Units in Delhi:

• The report clarifies that, as per available records, no bulk drug manufacturing units are operational in the NCT of Delhi. Consequently, no consents to establish or operate such units have been granted by the DPCC.

Pharmaceutical Formulation and Alternative Medicine Units:

• Delhi hosts 41 pharmaceutical formulation units and 40 Homeopathic/Ayurvedic medicine units. These units fall under the "Orange" category, as per the provisions of the Water Act, 1974, Air Act, 1981, and Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Consent and Compliance:

• Consent to operate is only granted when units submit a treated effluent analysis report that conforms to the stipulated environmental norms.

Data on Operational Units and Compliance Actions

The report provides specific data regarding the number of operational units and the actions taken against non-compliant entities: