**Executive Summary**
This document is the response to Unstarred Question No. 417 raised by Shri Devesh Shakya regarding the release of solid waste and toxic air by Nova Factory in Uttar Pradesh, to be answered on 02.02.2026. It addresses concerns about pollution and related health problems caused by the factory, based on information provided by UPPCB. The response confirms the factory operates with a valid Consent to Operate (CTO) until 31.12.2027 and has been subject to inspections.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Factory Operations and Compliance:**
* M/s Sterling Agro Industries Ltd. (formerly Nova Factory) in Kasganj, UP, has a valid Consent to Operate (CTO) until 31.12.2027.
* The CTO was issued under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 by UPPCB.
* **Inspections and Monitoring:**
* The unit was last inspected on 15.11.2025 by the Regional Office, Aligarh, UPPCB.
* Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) outlet samples collected during the inspection were found to comply with prescribed standards.
* Stack monitoring is carried out by NABL accredited laboratory M/s Green Envirotech Services Pvt. Ltd, and reports are within prescribed norms.
* The unit was inspected on 27.09.2025 by Jamia Millia Islamia, a third-party agency of CPCB under the National Mission for Clean Ganga.
* Housekeeping and solid waste management were found satisfactory during the CPCB inspection.
* The unit is inspected annually by an authorized third-party agency of CPCB.
* **Health Impact:**
* The Chief Medical Officer, Kasganj, confirmed that no cases or symptoms of fatal diseases attributable to pollution have been reported in the area.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: M/s Sterling Agro Industries Ltd. (Formerly Nova Factory)**
* *Impact:* The company is directly affected by the scrutiny regarding environmental pollution and waste management practices.
* *Action Required:* Maintain compliance with prescribed environmental standards, facilitate regular inspections, and address any future concerns raised by authorities.
**Stakeholder: Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB)**
* *Impact:* UPPCB is responsible for ensuring the factory's compliance with environmental regulations and addressing pollution concerns.
* *Action Required:* Continue conducting regular inspections and monitoring of the factory's operations, investigate any reported violations, and ensure adherence to prescribed standards.
**Stakeholder: Local Residents of Kasganj District, Uttar Pradesh**
* *Impact:* The residents are directly affected by the potential health and environmental impacts of the factory's operations.
* *Action Required:* Remain vigilant in reporting any potential pollution incidents or health concerns to the relevant authorities.
**Stakeholder: Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)**
* *Impact:* Ensuring third-party agency inspections are done as required under National Mission for Clean Ganga.
* *Action Required:* Ensure all inspections occur as required to ensure proper procedures and precautions are taken.
Key Entities Referenced
Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB): The state-level regulatory body responsible for issuing Consent to Operate (CTO) and monitoring compliance with environmental regulations in Uttar Pradesh.
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974: A central act that provides for the prevention and control of water pollution, and for maintaining or restoring the wholesomeness of water.
Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981: A central act that provides for the prevention, control and abatement of air pollution.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: The central government ministry responsible for environmental policy and regulations.
Kasganj: The district in Uttar Pradesh where the Nova Factory is located, making it the location of the environmental concern.
OIH
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 417
TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.02.2026
Release of Solid Waste and Toxic Air by Nova Factory in UP
417. SHRI DEVESH SHAKYA:
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware of the fact that the solid waste and toxic air emissions
particularly the high levels of PM2.5 and black smoke from Nova Factory located in Kasganj
district of Uttar Pradesh are causing serious environmental pollution and public health problems
in the surrounding areas;
(b) if so, whether the Government and the Central/State Pollution Control Board have conducted any
inspection or investigation regarding air quality, PM2.5 levels, black smoke emissions and solid
waste management of the said factory during the last three years;
(c) if so, the major findings thereof; and
(d) whether the Government has noticed that respiratory disease, asthma, eye irritation, skin disease
and other long-term health risks caused by the said pollution are increasing among the local
residents?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE
CHANGE
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a) to (d): As per information provided by UPPCB, M/s Sterling Agro Industries Ltd. (earlier known
as M/s Nova Factory) located at village Bhitauna, tehsil and district Kasganj, is operating with valid
(validity upto 31.12.2027) Consent to Operate (CTO) issued under the Water (Prevention and Control
of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 by Uttar Pradesh
Pollution Control Board (UPPCB). The unit was last inspected on 15.11.2025 by the Regional Office,
Aligarh, UPPCB. During the inspection, samples were collected from the Effluent Treatment Plant
(ETP) outlet which was found to be complying with the prescribed standards. Stack monitoring at the
unit is carried out by NABL accredited laboratory i.e. M/s Green Envirotech Services Pvt. Ltd. The
stack monitoring report was also found to be within the prescribed norms. Under the National Missionfor Clean Ganga, the unit was inspected on 27.09.2025 by Jamia Millia Islamia, an authorized third-
party agency of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). During this inspection, housekeeping and
solid waste management were found to be in satisfactory condition. The unit is inspected every year by
an authorized third-party agency of CPCB. The Chief Medical Officer, Kasganj, has confirmed that no
cases or symptoms of any fatal disease attributable to pollution have been reported in the area.
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