The National Green Tribunal based in New Delhi has asked the union environment ministry not to grant environment clearance to any new industrial units in Noida to control the environmental damage to the area.

The tribunal ordered that no operating unit in the area should be allowed to expand its facilities or change product mix. It also said that clearances to establish and operate meant for units in violation of the rules must only be given only after the permission is obtained from the tribunal.

The principal bench of the tribunal said in an order dated April 11 that the ruling has been passed in order to protect the environment and restrict pollution of both air and water and control hazardous waste. A petition was filed with the tribunal by Sanjay Agnihotri, a resident of Noida on January 12, this year against the Union of India and others.

The petition, citing various reports, alleged that the pollution level in the city has risen significantly. Agnihotri had said in the petition that pollution violates the right of him and his family to healthy environment.