Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding pollution by JSW (BPSL) Power and Steel, Sambalpur, Odisha, 13/03/2023
Order of the National Green Tribunal (Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata) in the matter of Siba Kisan & Others Vs M/S J.S.W. (BPSL) Power and Steel Ltd. & Others dated 13/03/2023.
The allegation is that JSW (BPSL) Power and Steel were engaged in the manufacture of iron, sponge iron, steel by burning huge quantities of coal and processing raw iron.
The project proponent in the process of its operation is producing coal ash which is being released in the air and thereby damaging air, water, cultivable land and reserve forest. The company is located in village Thelkolai, district Sambalpur, Odisha.
Further, the cultivable land of the applicants is situated hardly 10 to 15 meters distant from the plant. Also, in the course of its business while exporting products and importing raw material, heavy vehicles are being plied causing extensive quantities of dust blowing in the air and no measures are being adopted by the company for dust control.
The court took notice of the fact that the applicant farmers had made a complaint regarding the same to the Odisha State Pollution Control Board vide their letter dated December 19, 2022. Similar complaint was also made to the Collector and District Magistrate Sambalpur.
The NGT directed the authorities to explain in their counter affidavits what action has been taken on the complaint made by the applicants in the past and if no action has been taken, why it was not taken.
The NGT also directed a three member committee to submit a report with regard to the damage caused to the environment as well suggest remedial measures to be taken within four weeks.