Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of In re: News item appearing in The Hindu dated 21.12.2023 titled “6 dead, 1000 infected in suspected cholera outbreak in Rourkela dated 22/12/2023.

The original application is registered in suo-moto exercise of power on the basis of the news item titled “6 dead, 1000 infected in suspected cholera outbreak in Rourkela” appearing in The Hindu dated December 21, 2023. As per the said news item on account of cholera outbreak since December in Rourkela (Odisha) over 1000 people have been infected and 8 deaths have taken place. The disease is suspected to be caused by water contamination leading to severe health complications among the affected populace. Six places in Rourkela have been identified as hotspots for diarrhea infection. As per the said report it is suspected that the infection has spread through a rupture in water supply pipes.

As the news item raised substantial issues relating to compliance of the provisions contained in the Schedule enactments. NGT directed notice to be issued to the District Magistrate, Rourkela; Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Rourkela; Member Secretary, Odisha State Pollution Control Board; Secretary, Ministry of Environment & Forest & Climate Change and Member Secretary, Central Pollution Control Board. All the respondents have been directed to file their response before the Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata at least one week before the next date of hearing, January 25, 2024.