Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Bonigi Rangaiah Vs State of Andhra Pradesh & Others dated 22/01/2024. The matter related to spillages during the course of handling the loading, unloading, storage and transportation of coal falling on the road and dumping yards in the Adani Krishnapatnam Port, Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh.

According to the application, the port management has not initiated any mitigation measures to combat the issue. The fine coal dust layers the villages apart from trees, the applicant said. Further, even after 30 years, the port management is still relying on the private water suppliers for its day to day activities. The private water suppliers are illegally tapping the groundwater at various places in and around the port. The NGT directed the constitution of a joint committee to verify the factual position and suggest appropriate remedial action.

The committee has been directed to undertake visits to the site, look into the grievances of the applicant, verify the factual position and take appropriate remedial action. A factual and action taken report should be submitted before the southern zone bench of the NGT said the order.