February 25, 2026 : The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has disposed of an environmental complaint against an industrial unit operated by Escorts Kubota in Faridabad after finding that the facility was largely complying with pollution control norms. However, the tribunal has directed the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) to conduct regular inspections of the unit to ensure continued compliance.
The case arose from a letter petition filed by Faridabad resident Alok Mohan, who alleged that the manufacturing facility run by Escorts Kubota Pvt. Ltd. in Sector 15A was operating in violation of environmental standards. According to the petitioner, the plant shares a boundary wall with residential houses and its operations were allegedly causing air pollution, foul smells, and deterioration in drinking water quality. The complaint also claimed that the unit used chemicals such as nitrogen dioxide gases and phosphoric acid, whose fumes were allegedly affecting nearby residents.
Taking note of the complaint, the NGT converted the letter petition into an original application and issued notices to the concerned authorities. A joint inspection was conducted by officials from the HSPCB along with the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Badkal.
During the inspection in August 2024, officials found that two units were operating at the site on Mathura Road in Faridabad: Escorts Kubota Limited Plant No. 1 and Escorts Kubota India Pvt. Ltd. Both units manufacture tractor components and fall under the “Red” category of industries due to their potential environmental impact. However, the inspection report stated that the facilities had installed the necessary pollution control infrastructure, including effluent treatment plants (ETP), sewage treatment plants (STP), and emission control systems.
The report also confirmed that the units had valid “consent to operate” permissions from the pollution control authorities and that treated wastewater parameters were within the limits prescribed by the HSPCB. Air emissions from generator sets and other operations were found to be compliant with applicable standards.
Nevertheless, the inspection team recommended certain improvements. These included increasing the height of the boundary wall facing nearby houses and installing acoustic barriers to reduce noise and disturbance to residents. The team also suggested upgrading the effluent treatment system and exploring biological treatment options instead of chemical processes in sewage treatment.
After the applicant raised further concerns about chemical usage and air pollution, the tribunal directed the pollution control board to conduct a fresh inspection. In its subsequent report submitted in May 2025, the HSPCB stated that the company had begun implementing the recommended measures. The company placed orders to install an acoustic barrier along the boundary wall shared with residential properties and to set up a Zero Liquid Discharge system to recycle treated water from the effluent treatment plant.
The inspection also confirmed that there was no electroplating or pickling process at the plant, eliminating the possibility of acid mist generation. Hazardous waste handling arrangements were found to be in compliance with applicable rules.
Further monitoring conducted in April 2025 tested air emissions and volatile organic compounds, including benzene, toluene and xylene. According to the laboratory analysis submitted to the tribunal, all measured parameters, including suspended particulate matter and water quality indicators, were within the limits prescribed by the pollution control authorities.
Another issue raised during the proceedings concerned land use. The applicant argued that the industry was operating in a residential area. In response, authorities clarified that under the Faridabad development plans, the site was originally located in an industrial belt and is currently designated as a mixed land-use zone that allows residential, industrial and commercial activities.
Taking these findings into account, the tribunal observed that the industrial unit had substantially complied with environmental norms and had taken steps to implement the recommendations made by the inspection committee. The bench also noted that the factory existed before the applicant’s family purchased the adjoining house.
Finding no grounds for further intervention, the tribunal disposed of the application. However, because the plant is a red-category industry operating close to residential properties, the tribunal directed the Haryana State Pollution Control Board to conduct regular inspections to ensure that environmental norms continue to be followed.
Case Reference : Original Application No. 628/2024: Alok Mohan vs Escorts Kubota Pvt. Ltd. & Ors.; Applicant appeared in person (via VC); Respondents represented by Mr. Yashraj Singh Deora, Senior Advocate with Mr. Priyesh Mohan Srivastava for Respondent No. 2, Mr. Rahul Khurana for Respondents No. 1 & 3 with Mr. Sandeep Singh, RO, HSPCB, and Mr. Srinivas Vishven for CPCB (via VC).
