TNPCB says NGT Sun Pharma has not implemented proposed expansion in Chengalpattu
A recent inspection by the TNPCB found that the unit was operational but its production was within the existing sanctioned capacity. | Photo credit: Reuters
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) told the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that a unit of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. at Sathammai village in Chengalpattu district is currently operating within its existing permitted production capacity and has not undertaken the proposed expansion.
The submission was made in a recent report filed before the NGT South Bench following an appeal filed by KR Selvaraj Kumar of the Meenavar Nala Sangam challenging the environmental clearance granted to the company for expansion.
Consent to establishment
According to a TNPCB report, the unit initially received board approval for establishment in 2005 and approval to operate in 2006 for manufacturing pharmaceutical products with a total production capacity of 25.5 tonnes per month. Subsequent consent orders authorized changes in wastewater production, commercial wastewater disposal, and air pollution control measures without increasing the allowable amount of product.
The company later received environmental clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change on 31 March 2022 to increase its production capacity from 25.5 tonnes per month to 134,082 tonnes per month for active pharmaceutical ingredients under the existing plant. However, the TNPCB said the company has not obtained board approval for incorporation or operational approval for expansion.
A TNPCB inspection conducted on 12 September 2026 found that the unit is operational but its production is within the existing approved capacity of 25.5 tonnes per month. The board also noted that there was no expansion activity.
The dispute also pertains to an earlier NGT order in the original application filed in 2020. The tribunal noted the violation regarding the operation of the unit without environmental clearance for the earlier expansion and upheld environmental compensation of Rs 58.20 lakh for groundwater and soil contamination. It also ordered the payment of an interim compensation of ₹10 crore and asked the TNPCB to assess any additional compensation for operating above the permissible pollution load.
The TNPCB report said the company had subsequently obtained environmental clearance for 2022 for the proposed expansion and renewed board approval valid until March 31, 2028, but had not obtained approval specifically to carry out the expansion.
Published – 27 Sep 2026 23:00 IST