The Supreme Court has ordered the Tamil Nadu government to compensate for pollution caused by tanneries in the River and submit a report within four months.
The Supreme Court of India has issued directives to address the severe environmental damage caused by tanneries in Tamil Nadu's Vellore district. These tanneries have been discharging untreated or partially treated effluents into the Palar River, leading to irreversible harm to water bodies, groundwater, and agricultural lands. This pollution has adversely affected local farmers and residents, posing significant public health risks.
The court has mandated the Tamil Nadu government to compensate those affected by this pollution and to recover the compensation from the responsible industries, adhering to the 'polluter pays' principle. A compliance report is to be submitted within four months. The bench emphasized that it will monitor adherence to these directives and warned that any violations could result in strict consequences.
Additionally, the court has instructed the state to establish, in consultation with the central government, a committee led by a retired high court judge. This committee will include secretaries from state and central departments, environmental experts, representatives of the affected communities, and other relevant individuals. Its purpose is to conduct an audit aimed at maintaining and creating a clean and healthy environment in Vellore. This committee is to be formed within four weeks.
The judgment also calls for the state Pollution Control Board and the Central Pollution Control Board to collaborate with the state government to set emission standards for the tannery industry. These standards should align with international environmental benchmarks and consider recommendations from national and international regulatory bodies. Licenses of industries found violating these standards may be canceled.
The Supreme Court of India has issued directives to address the severe environmental damage caused by tanneries in Tamil Nadu's Vellore district. These tanneries have been discharging untreated or partially treated effluents into the Palar River, leading to irreversible harm to water bodies, groundwater, and agricultural lands. This pollution has adversely affected local farmers and residents, posing significant public health risks.
The court has mandated the Tamil Nadu government to compensate those affected by this pollution and to recover the compensation from the responsible industries, adhering to the 'polluter pays' principle. A compliance report is to be submitted within four months. The bench emphasized that it will monitor adherence to these directives and warned that any violations could result in strict consequences.
Additionally, the court has instructed the state to establish, in consultation with the central government, a committee led by a retired high court judge. This committee will include secretaries from state and central departments, environmental experts, representatives of the affected communities, and other relevant individuals. Its purpose is to conduct an audit aimed at maintaining and creating a clean and healthy environment in Vellore. This committee is to be formed within four weeks.
The judgment also calls for the state Pollution Control Board and the Central Pollution Control Board to collaborate with the state government to set emission standards for the tannery industry. These standards should align with international environmental benchmarks and consider recommendations from national and international regulatory bodies. Licenses of industries found violating these standards may be canceled.
This ruling underscores the court's commitment to environmental protection and holding polluters accountable for ecological degradation.
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