Rajasthan High Court Mandates Expert Inspection of Cement Factory Over Pollution Allegations
In a significant development, the principal bench of the Rajasthan High Court in Jodhpur has issued a directive to the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) to constitute a specialized team of technical experts. This team is tasked with conducting a thorough inspection of a cement factory located in Sirohi district, following serious allegations of environmental violations.
Court Directives for Comprehensive Environmental Assessment
The court has mandated that the expert team undertake a detailed site inspection at the premises of Durga Cement Pvt Ltd, situated in Bharja village of Pindwara tehsil. The inspection protocol includes the collection of critical samples, such as soil, groundwater, and borewell water, to assess contamination levels. A comprehensive report detailing the findings must be submitted to the court by April 27.
Furthermore, the court has ordered authorities to maintain status quo at the site, ensuring that no tampering occurs with the alleged waste material. This measure is intended to preserve the existing conditions for a fair and effective inquiry into the environmental concerns raised.
Background of the Public Interest Litigation
The court's directions emerged during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed against Durga Cement Pvt Ltd. The petitioners have contended that the factory's operations have led to large-scale environmental degradation in the surrounding area, adversely affecting local residents and an adjoining educational institution.
During the proceedings, counsel for the petitioners, Digvijay Singh Jasol, presented compelling evidence to the court. This included a bottle allegedly containing contaminated water collected from the site, along with photographs purportedly showing indiscriminate dumping of waste, which reportedly includes hazardous and medical materials.
Judicial Observations on Environmental and Public Health Risks
The division bench, comprising Justice Farjand Ali and Justice Chandra Shekhar Sharma, took serious note of the submissions and material placed on record. The bench observed that there was prima facie substance in the allegations, with visual evidence appearing to corroborate claims of unregulated waste disposal and environmental pollution.
The court underscored the gravity of the situation, highlighting that it presents a potential environmental hazard with far-reaching consequences for local residents and students in the vicinity. Specifically, the alleged contamination of groundwater was deemed a matter of grave public concern, as it raises significant issues regarding public health and safety, with reports suggesting the water may be unfit for human consumption.
Enforcement Measures and Future Steps
To ensure compliance and facilitate the inquiry, the district collector and superintendent of police in Sirohi have been instructed to take necessary actions. Their responsibilities include preventing the dumping of any hazardous material and preserving the existing conditions at the site. This judicial intervention aims to address the urgent environmental and public health risks posed by the alleged violations.
The case highlights the judiciary's proactive role in safeguarding environmental integrity and public welfare, setting a precedent for stringent oversight in industrial operations that may impact ecological balance and community health.
