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Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding pollution by thermal power plants, coal washeries in Tamnar and Gharghoda blocks of Raigarh District, Chhattisgarh, 22/07/2019

  • 22/07/2019

Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Shivpal Bhagat & Others Vs Union of India & Others dated 22/07/2019 regarding pollution caused by the thermal power plants, the coal washeries in Tamnar and Gharghoda blocks of Raigarh District in Chhattisgarh, including M/s Jindal Power Limited, M/s Jindal Power and Steel Limited, M/s TRN Energy Private Limited, M/s Mahavir Energy & Coal Benefaction Limited, M/s. Hindalco Industries Limited and M/s. Monet Energy Limited, SECL. The operation of the said units was allegedly resulting in contamination of air, water and land and having adverse impact on the environment and the habitants. Water and soil have toxic metals having potential for health hazard requiring monitoring of emissions, making the polluter accountable and regulating the polluting activities.

A Report was furnished by a Committee comprising of Scientist, CPCB Bhopal, Professor IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and IIFM Bhopal which pointed out certain deficiencies such as mine fires, insufficient green belt, no work on diversion of Bendra nallah and embankment between river Kelo.
 
NGT finds the report inadequate, as it does not address issues on the carrying capacity of the area, remediation measures, improved quality of soil, adequacy of the pollution control devices, fly ash management and ambient air quality with regard to PM2.5. Tribunal directs furnishing of an updated and exhaustive report on all aspects of the matter by a new Committee. The Committee has been asked to visit the area within one month and take into account the views of the inhabitants and furnish a report within two months.