More than 60 per cent milk in country unsafe, adulterated with paint, detergent: Government
Press Trust of India | Updated: October 21, 2012 11:36 IST

NEW DELHI :Over 68 per cent of milk in the country does not conform to the standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the Centre has told the Supreme Court on a plea for checking sale of synthetic and adulterated milk and various dairy products.

The submission has been made by the Centre in its affidavit which referred to a survey conducted by the FSSAI, which had found that over 68 per cent of the "non-conforming" milk was found in urban areas, 66 per cent of which was loose milk.

According to the FSSAI's 2011 survey, the most common adulterant was found to be the addition of water, and the main reason for deviation from the standards was addition of glucose and skimmed milk powder. It also found that in some samples, detergent was mixed.

The affidavit was filed in response to the notice issued on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) by a group of citizens, led by Swami Achyutanand Tirth of Uttarakhand, seeking a check on sale of synthetic and adulterated milk and various dairy products.

Notices had also been issued to Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Delhi governments on a PIL alleging that synthetic and adulterated milk and milk products are prepared using urea, detergent, refined oil, caustic soda and white paint which, according to studies, are "very hazardous" to human life and can cause serious diseases like cancer.

The petitioners' advocate Anurag Tomar said that the affidavit is silent on many aspects which allegedly refer to adulteration of milk and its products. The affidavit said that over 83 per cent of the non-conforming milk in rural areas was found to be loose milk. The FSSAI had analysed 1791 samples of milk randomly collected from 33 states and Union territories to identify the common adulterant in milk, both loose and packaged.

It had gathered samples from rural and urban areas and after analysing them at five different public sector laboratories, it had found that 68.4 per cent of the samples were non-conforming (adulterated) to its standards.

"Total of 1791 samples of milk were randomly collected from 33 states with a good mix of rural and urban areas as well as packaged and loose milk.... After analysis 565 (31.5 per cent) samples were found to be conforming to the FSSAI standards whereas 1226 (68.4 per cent) samples of milk were found to be non-conforming.

"The non-conforming of samples in rural areas were 381 (31 per cent) out of which 64 (16.7 per cent) were packet samples and 317 (83.2 per cent) were loose sample respectively and in urban areas the total non-conforming samples were 845 (68.9 per cent) out of which 282 (33 per cent) were packed and 563 (66.6 per cent) were loose samples," the Centre said.

The PIL said that the alarming situation and imminent danger to public health requires immediate action on the part of the central government and the state governments to ensure supply of healthy, hygienic and natural milk to the citizens of India.

Supreme Court notice to Centre, five states on spurious milk
TNN May 10, 2012, 05.34 AM IST

NEW DELHI : The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought responses from the Centre, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and Haryana on a PIL drawing attention to supply of adulterated milk by unscrupulous elements, putting citizens at considerable health risk.

A bench of Chief Justice SH Kapadia and Justices AK Patnaik and Swatanter Kumar issued notices to the Union government and the five states on a PIL filed by Haridwar-based Swamy Achyutananda Tirth and others, who sought a direction to the governments to ensure supply of healthy, hygienic and natural milk.

The petitioner said the governments had failed to check circulation of adulterated/synthetic milk, which was prepared using urea, detergent, refined oil, caustic soda and white paint.

"The inaction and apathy of respondents in stopping sale of adulterated milk and milk products is causing serious danger to the health and life of petitioners, their families and other citizens, which is a violation of their right to life guaranteed under Article 21," they said.

The PIL petitioners through advocate Anurag Tomar presented before the court several newspaper reports, including two from TOI, to argue that despite the media regularly highlighting supply of adulterated milk in northern states, no step had been taken by the authorities against the unscrupulous elements

North India New Delhi, May 09, 2012
SC notices to Centre, states on PIL to check synthetic milk

The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought the response of the Centre and various state governments on a plea for checking sale of synthetic and adulterated milk and various dairy products.

A bench headed by Chief Justice S H Kapadia issued notices to the Centre and the state governments of Haryana, Rajasthan Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Delhi on a PIL which also sought framing of a "comprehensive" policy on the production, supply and sale of healthy, hygienic and natural milk.

The plea filed by a group of citizens, led by Swami Achyutanand Tirth of Uttarakhand, said synthetic and adulterated milk and milk products are prepared using urea, detergent, refined oil, caustic soda, white paint etc which, according to studies, are "very hazardous" to human life and can cause serious diseases like cancer.

It said a January 2011 survey report by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) from different cities in 33 States revealed that out of total 1,791 random samples taken 1,226 samples were found not fit for human consumption.

"It means on national level 68.4 percent of milk samples were found adulterated. In states of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, 88% of milk samples were found adulterated. The said study indicated presence of adulterants like fat, 'solid not fat (SNF)', sugar, starch, urea, detergents, formalin etc in milk samples," it said.

The PIL filed through advocate Aunurag Tomar said alarming situation and imminent danger to public health requires immediate action on the part of the Central government and the state governments to ensure supply of healthy, hygienic and natural milk to the citizens of India.

"The situation is now alarming and required immediate and concrete action on the part of Central government as well as the concerned State governments to stop spreading this poison of synthetic milk

Because we are different. NEW DELHI, 4 OCT 2011
SC notice on framing Master Plan for Haridwar statesman news service

The Supreme Court has sought Uttarakhand government’s response on framing comprehensive rules for development of basic infrastructure in the holy city of Haridwar that is thronged by pilgrims and tourists, in view of alleged lack of planning.

“Infrastructure of Haridwar has totally collapsed with the sharp rise in the population and number of vehicles plying in the city and there is apathy of the State government and the development authorities in providing a solution by means of planned development of the city to address the difficulties of the residents,” the petition said.

A Bench headed by Justice Dalveer Bhandari issued notice to the State government and other authorities seeking their response on why they have not framed a new Master Plan for the city after the last one lapsed in 2001.

The court passed the order on a petition filed by a Haridwar resident Upendra Dutt Sharma pleading that there is a complete mess in the city due to lack of proper planning, influx of new vehicles and increased population in the pilgrim town.

“The traffic conditions in Haridwar have come in a state of total mess on account of large number of influx of new vehicles in the limited space of roads available in the city though the number of vehicles have increased many fold in the past decade. However, on infrastructure front the local authorities and the state government have done nothing,” advocate Mr Anurag Tomar, appearing for the petitioner, claimed.

He pleaded that that Master Plan for the year 1985 to 2001 for the city of Haridwar came to an end and after that no Master Plan has been formulated for the city of Haridwar.

Mr Sharma approached the apex court after the Uttarakhand High Court had refused to entertain his PIL. Challenging the High Court order, Mr Sharma submitted that court must interfere in the issue as the government has failed in its duty.

“It is obligatory upon the State government and the development authorities to provide a meaningful and dignified life to its citizens, including providing of basic amenities of the life like good roads, affordable housing, clean water supply, street lightening, water drainage system, sewerage and public works and other convenience,” he said in his petition.

SC notice on framing Master Plan for Haridwar Last Updated: Monday, October 03, 2011, 15:23

Tags : Supreme Court, Haridwar, Master Plan SC notice on framing Master Plan for HaridwarNew Delhi :

The Supreme Court has sought the response of Uttarakhand government on framing comprehensive rules for development of basic infrastructure in Haridwar in view of alleged lack of planning.

A bench headed by Justice Dalveer Bhandari issued notice to the state government and other authorities seeking their response on why they have not framed a new Master Plan for the city after the last one lapsed in 2001.

The court passed the order on a petition filed by a Haridwar resident Upendra Dutt Sharma pleading that there is a complete mess in the city due to lack of proper planning, influx of new vehicles and increased population in the pilgrim town.

"The traffic conditions in Haridwar have come in a state of total mess on account of large number of influx of new vehicles in the limited space of roads available in the city though the number of vehicles have increased many fold in the past decade. However, on infrastructure front the local authorities and the state Government have done nothing," advocate Anurag Tomar, appearing for the petitioner, claimed.

He pleaded that that Master Plan for the year 1985 to 2001 for the city of Haridwar came to an end and after that no Master Plan has been formulated for the city of Haridwar.

Sharma approached the apex court after the Uttarakhand High Court had refused to entertain his PIL.

The Supreme Court has sought the response of Uttarakhand government on framing comprehensive rules for development of basic infrastructure in Haridwar in view of alleged lack of planning.

A bench headed by Justice Dalveer Bhandari issued notice to the state government and other authorities seeking their response on why they have not framed a new Master Plan for the city after the last one lapsed in 2001.

The court passed the order on a petition filed by a Haridwar resident Upendra Dutt Sharma pleading that there is a complete mess in the city due to lack of proper planning, influx of new vehicles and increased population in the pilgrim town.

"The traffic conditions in Haridwar have come in a state of total mess on account of large number of influx of new vehicles in the limited space of roads available in the city though the number of vehicles have increased many fold in the past decade. However, on infrastructure front the local authorities and the state Government have done nothing," advocate Anurag Tomar, appearing for the petitioner, claimed.

He pleaded that that Master Plan for the year 1985 to 2001 for the city of Haridwar came to an end and after that no Master Plan has been formulated for the city of Haridwar. Sharma approached the apex court after the Uttarakhand High Court had refused to entertain his PIL.

News, States, Other States New Delhi, October 3, 2011

Home News Opinion Sport Business Arts Life & Style S & T Education Health Classifieds Today's Paper Topics SC issues notice on framing Master Plan for Haridwar

PTI Devotees converging towards the bank of Ganges river to take holy dip on the occasion of Somvati Amavasya in Haridwar on Aug. 29, 2011. A file photo.

The Supreme Court has sought the response of Uttarakhand government on framing comprehensive rules for development of basic infrastructure in Haridwar in view of alleged lack of planning.

A bench headed by Justice Dalveer Bhandari issued notice to the State government and other authorities seeking their response on why they have not framed a new Master Plan for the city after the last one lapsed in 2001.

The court passed the order on a petition filed by a Haridwar resident Upendra Dutt Sharma pleading that there is a complete mess in the city due to lack of proper planning, influx of new vehicles and increased population in the pilgrim town.

“The traffic conditions in Haridwar have come in a state of total mess on account of large number of influx of new vehicles in the limited space of roads available in the city though the number of vehicles have increased many fold in the past decade. However, on infrastructure front the local authorities and the State Government have done nothing,” advocate Anurag Tomar, appearing for the petitioner, claimed.

He pleaded that that Master Plan for the year 1985 to 2001 for the city of Haridwar came to an end and after that no Master Plan has been formulated for the city of Haridwar.

Mr. Sharma approached the apex court after the Uttarakhand High Court had refused to entertain his PIL. Challenging the High Court order, Mr. Sharma submitted that court must interfere in the issue as the government has failed in its duty.

“It is obligatory upon the State government and the development authorities to provide a meaningful and dignified life to its citizens which includes providing of basic amenities of the life like good roads, affordable housing, clean water supply, street lightening, water drainage system, sewerage and public works and other convenience,” he said in his petition.

“Infrastructure of Haridwar has totally collapsed with the sharp rise in the population and number of vehicles plying in the city and there is apathy of the State government and the development authorities in providing a solution by means of planned development of the city to address the difficulties of the residents,” the petition said.

Monday, 03 October 2011 19:10 ( Written by Prime Look )

UTTRAKHAND New Delhi : The Supreme Court has sought the response of Uttarakhand government on framing comprehensive rules for development of basic infrastructure in Haridwar in view of alleged lack of planning.

A bench headed by Justice Dalveer Bhandari issued notice to the state government and other authorities seeking their response on why they have not framed a new Master Plan for the city after the last one lapsed in 2001.

The court passed the order on a petition filed by a Haridwar resident Upendra Dutt Sharma pleading that there is a complete mess in the city due to lack of proper planning, influx of new vehicles and increased population in the pilgrim town. "The traffic conditions in Haridwar have come in a state of total mess on account of large number of influx of new vehicles in the limited space of roads available in the city though the number of vehicles have increased many fold in the past decade. However, on infrastructure front the local authorities and the state Government have done nothing," advocate Anurag Tomar, appearing for the petitioner, claimed.

He pleaded that that Master Plan for the year 1985 to 2001 for the city of Haridwar came to an end and after that no Master Plan has been formulated for the city of Haridwar. Sharma approached the apex court after the Uttarakhand High Court had refused to entertain his PIL.

Why no Master Plan for Haridwar for the last 10 years: Asks SC

If the Uttarakhand Government finally frames a master Plan for Haridwar after not having one for the last ten years; then please thank Haridwar resident Upendra Dutt Sharma.

Upendra Dutt Sharma, sufficiently disappointed by complete mess in the city due to lack of proper planning, influx of new vehicles and increased population in the pilgrim town, filed a petition in the Supreme Court of India questioning – “why his city is not getting any Master Plan after the last one lapsed in 2001?”.

Responding to the petition yesterday, the Honorable Supreme Court of India bench headed by Justice Dalveer Bhandari issued notice to the Uttarakhand government and other authorities seeking their response on why they have not framed a new Master Plan for the city after the last one lapsed about a decade ago (Master Plan 1985 to 2001).

The Supreme Court has sought the response of Uttarakhand government on framing comprehensive rules for development of basic infrastructure in Haridwar in view of alleged lack of planning.

Appearing on behalf of the petitioner, advocate Anurag Tomar claimed that the traffic conditions in Haridwar have come in a state of total mess on account of large number of influx of new vehicles in the limited space of roads available in the city . Talking of infrastructure, the advocate claimed that on infrastructure front the local authorities and the state Government have done nothing.

Notably, the petitioner Mr. Upendra Dutt Sharma approached the apex court after the Uttarakhand High Court had refused to entertain his PIL (Public Interest Litigation, is simply a Lawsuit or case filed by any person, organisation for the protection of Public interest ). at 2:02 AM

Exclusive Interview: Noted Advocate Mr. Anurag Tomar
10:02 AM Written byA Bisht

RTI and PILs are fast changing the Indian judicial landscape. More than ever, enthusiastic & aware people and sharp lawyers are managing to get landmark judgments in the field of Public Interest. Uttarakhand may have come into existence only a decade ago, but some PILs filed by esteemed people of the Hill State, have already made news headlines at national level. Two of the most coveted and talked about PILs from Uttarakhand-ites in recent times, are the ones pertaining to -- Haridwar Master Plan 2010 and Adulterated Milk. These two PILs filed by different people, have one common link, the lawyer.

The Uttarakhandportal had the opportunity of meeting the noted Advocate Anurag Tomar, who represents the petitioners in both these PILs. Hope you enjoy the conversation, as much as we do: UttarakhandPortal: You represent the petitioners in the Haridwar Master Plan, 2012 and Adulterated Milk PILs. Can you please elaborate a bit on the challenges you faced with these issues?

Anurag Tomar: It’s my pleasure to be here.
UttarakhandPortal: You represent the petitioners in the Haridwar Master Plan, 2012 and Adulterated Milk PILs. Can you please elaborate a bit on the challenges you faced with these issues?

Anurag Tomar: Both of these PILs involve larger public issues affecting the lives of millions of people. The Hardiwar Master Plan, 2012 seeks to improve the infrastructure of the city of Haridwar and provide the basic amenities of life such as pure drinking water, clean environment, fresh air, congestion free roads to its residents. All these basic amenities are necessary for the human beings lead a meaningful life.

The Adulterated Milk PIL seeks to weed out widespread adulteration in milk across country. Milk adulteration is an important issue as milk is directly linked to the growth of young ones and health of People.?

Both of these petitions are quite serious issues that need immediate intervention of the central and state governments and concerned authorities. In the former case, it becomes the complicated task for the court to solve the issue as there are serious infrastructure bottlenecks in the city and inadequacies in the master plan framed by the development authority. With the due seriousness and involvement of experienced town planner, the matter has been brought before the court. The milk adulteration matter is still in the initial stage and will take some more time in getting disposed. I strongly believe that both these disputes have merit and the Hon’ble Supreme court has already given sufficient indulgence in respect of issues raised in these PILs and any strong direction or order issued by the Supreme Court will bring a lot of relief in the lives of masses.

UttarakhandPortal:
The Right to Information (RTI) Act came into effect on April 1, 2005. As a lawyer, do you agree with the view that the Act is fast changing the face of Indian Judiciary? and if yes, then what kind of positive and negative changes you are witnessing?

Anurag Tomar:
In a democratic system, the people have every right to know about the government’s decisions, decision- making process and facts and statistics of the government’s spending on the public welfare. It is a good sign that people have developed a greater understanding of the role of R.T.I. Act in promoting transparency and accountability. What is better is that the suffered party can approach the court on account of being met with injustice.

UttarakhandPortal:
A large number of Uttarakhand Portal Readers are young men and women, who are always eager to get valuable advice on careers. Uttarakhand Portal will be hugely thankful to you, if you could shed light on the inner aspects of choosing law, the intricacies involved in choosing law profession, challenges one may encounter in the near future and how to deal with such predicament and the job prospects thereon?

Anurag Tomar:
Law is a noble profession. To have a real success in Law profession, an individual requires putting in lot of patience, hard work and commitment. The aspirant has many options at his/her end as the individual can take up cases related to litigation aspects. Also, the law graduates are presented with the opportunity of taking up cases on the corporate and taxation fronts. However, choosing the area of practice is solely dependent on the caliber of law graduate. However, a young law graduate should carefully weigh in options including the pros and cons of legal profession before taking a plunge into it.

UttarakhandPortal:
Uttarakhand Portal wishes you a grand success in every effort undertaken by you. Many Thanks to you for giving us your valuable time.

Anurag Tomar:
It has been a real pleasure for me too to share my knowledge with you on the legal aspects. I appreciate you for undertaking efforts in making people informed and spreading awareness on legal and fundamental rights.

About Anurag Tomar:
Mr. Tomar graduated from S.M.J.N. College Haridwar followed by graduation in Law from J.V. Jain P.G. College, Saharanpur. He practices at Delhi High Court.