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Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding blast in the chemical factory run by Yashyashvi Rasayan Pvt. Ltd. at Dahej, District Bharuch, Gujarat, 03/02/2021

  • 03/02/2021

Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Aryavart Foundation through its President Vs Yashyashvi Rasayan Pvt. Ltd. & Others dated 03/02/2021.

The matter related to a blast in the chemical factory run by Yashyashvi Rasayan Pvt. Ltd. at Dahej, District Bharuch, Gujarat. The accident resulted in deaths, injuries, displacement of inhabitants and damage to the property.

The NGT directed the unit to take all safety measures in terms of the recommendations of the Committee, formed to look into the matter.

In view of frequent accidents resulting in deaths and injuries, the Chief Secretaries of all the States/UTs has been directed to evolve a mechanism to ensure that the companies dealing with hazardous substance must forthwith pay compensation for deaths and injuries to the victims at least as per Workmen Compensation Act, 1923 wherever applicable or the principle of restitution to the victims either directly or through the District Magistrate.

Conduct of safety audits of all establishments having potential for such accidents must be ensured, the NGT said. All states/UTs should also ensure availability of healthcare facilities in the vicinity of such establishments. PCB and DM must assess the cost of restoration of the environment which should be recovered from the company and spent on such restoration.

The States and UTs in accordance with Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules, 1989 and Chemical Accidents (Emergency, Planning, Preparedness and Response) Rules, 1996 -  need to step up vigilance, surveillance and monitoring to avert such accidents. Preparedness to meet such eventualities must be ensured. Regular mock drills has to be ensured in respect of onsite and offsite emergency plans, the NGT order of February 3, 2021 said.