The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Principal Bench has disposed of Original Application No. 1065/2024, filed by applicant Varun Gulati, which raised concerns regarding 35 units allegedly engaged in manufacturing banned single-use plastic (SUP) items in Bawana and Narela. The Tribunal’s decision follows the filing of an action taken report by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) on November 14, 2025, detailing fresh inspections of the units.
The original grievance centered on the alleged violation of a circular dated February 4, 2022, issued by the Member Secretary of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which prohibits the production, stocking, distribution, sale, and usage of SUP.
The joint inspections conducted by DPCC officials across 34 premises found that none of the inspected units had banned single-use plastic items. However, the report revealed significant non-compliance with environmental regulations in many of the units.
According to the DPCC report, 15 units were found operating without the necessary consent under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. Show Cause Notices (SCNs) have been issued to these 15 units, requiring them to apply for consent. Furthermore, two units were identified for non-compliance with Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules. These two units face SCNs for closure under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, read with the Hazardous Waste Management (HWM) Rules, along with a show cause notice for an Environmental Damage Compensation (EDC) of ₹1,00,000 for non-compliance with HWM rules. The remaining 17 units inspected required no further action.
During the hearing, the NGT bench, comprising Chairperson Hon’ble Mr. Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Hon’ble Dr. A. Senthil Vel, Expert Member, noted the action initiated by the DPCC. The counsel for the DPCC stated that while they did not have instructions on the proposed nature of action for the 15 units operating without valid consent, the DPCC would examine the period of past violation and ensure the calculation and levy of environmental compensation by following the Principle of Natural Justice. The DPCC also gave an assurance that none of these units would operate without complying with environmental norms. The Original Application was disposed of with the directive that the DPCC ensures environmental compliance and levy of compensation for past violations.
Case Title : Varun Gulati vs DPCC & Ors.
Counsels : Applicant: Ms. Mansi Chahal, Advocates for Applicant (Through VC) Respondents: Ms. Jyoti Mendiratta and Ms. Ananya Basudha, Advocates for R-2 (Through VC) Ms. Puja S. Kalra and Mr. Virendra Singh, Advocates for MCD (Through VC) Mr. Balendu Shekhar and Ms. Tanisha Samanta, Advocates for DPCC (Through VC) Mr. Tajinder Virdi, Advocate for R – 7 (Through VC) Ms. Shivani Gera, Adv. (Through VC)
