The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered to ban RO (Reverse Osmosis) water filters that discard 80% of water in process of making it ‘pure’ for drinking. The order further says that RO companies should be given NOC only for making ROs that can recover 60% water.
The NGT has also lashed out at the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for not placing regulations in this regards while hearing a petition on the subject.
The NGT Bench headed by its Chairperson Adarsh Kumar Goel warned of actions against officials and has given time till December 31, 2019, to comply with the order.
Total Dissolved Solids level
NGT was hearing a petition which questioned the permissibility of use of RO system where Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) level is below a particular threshold and where RO system destroys minerals rendering use of RO treated water harmful for human health. Further questions were raised before the NGT about preventing undue wastage of water rejected in the process of filtration through RO system.
The NGT order says, “Based on Expert Committee findings, this Tribunal, vide order dated May 20, 2019, held that where the TDS in the water was less than 500 mg/l, use of RO be prohibited. Wherever RO is to be permitted, condition of recovery of water to the extent of more than 60% be required. Further provision should be for enhancement of recovery of water upto 75% in phased manner in future and reuse thereof for permissible purposes. The Tribunal directed the MoEF&CC to issue appropriate notification and file an affidavit of compliance within one month, apart from other directions.”
Compliance by Dec 31
The matter was considered on Sept 23, 2019, and it was observed by the NGT, that the MoEF&CC has still not complied with the same and, instead, has filed an affidavit seeking eight months for complying with the order.
Accordingly a status report was filed on Oct 31, 2019, on behalf of the MoEF&CC.
During the hearing, the officers present have not shown any valid reason for non-compliance beyond what is mentioned above which stands no merit, the order added.
“Accordingly, we give last opportunity to comply with the directions already issued latest by Dec 31, 2019,” the order says while adding that further coercive measures may be considered on the next date.
Meanwhile, the RO Manufacturers Association challenged the NGT order in the Supreme Court, which refused to stay the order and has asked the association to approach the government.
