Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding pollution by a coal washery plant in village Kanika, Sundargarh, Odisha, 06/05/2019

Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Nabin Meher Vs ACB (India) Limited & Others dated 06/05/2019 regarding violation of the Air Act 1981 and the Water Act 1974 by M/s. ACB (India) Limited while operating its coal washery plant in village Kanika, tehsil Hemgir, district Sundargarh, Odisha. It is alleged that raw coal is transported by use of heavy trucks which are uncovered resulting in black coal dust settling along the route. The entire area where the plant is located has been covered by a thick layer of black coal dust. The Chhenga Pahad Reserve Forest under Hemgir Forest Range, Sundergarh Forest Division also has been covered with coal dust affecting the health of the forest.

NGT directs the State Pollution Control Board and District Magistrate, Sundergarh and the Divisional Forest Officer, Sundergarh, to jointly inspect the area in question and verify on the correctness of the allegations contained in the application and, if those are found to be correct, appropriate action be taken in accordance with law to remedy the situation. The action should also include imposition of Environment Compensation for damage caused to the environment.