India, May 19 -- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed TwentyOne Sugar Factory Ltd, controlled by Congress leader Amit Deshmukh, to pay over Rs.1.67 crore towards compensation for environmental damage and crop loss.

"Respondent No1 (sugar factory) shall deposit the amount of EDC (environmental damage compensation) of Rs.1,13,40,000 with the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) within a period of two months from the date of uploading of this order," the NGT stated in its order dated April 30. The order, accessed by HT, says the money will be used for restoration of the area in question within a period of six months.

Deshmukh is the chairman of TwentyOne Sugar Factory Ltd situated in Nanded district.

The tribunal also orde...