Rajasthan High Court Mandates Expert Inspection of Cement Factory Over Environmental Violations
The principal bench of the Rajasthan High Court in Jodhpur has issued a significant directive, ordering the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) to assemble a 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 misconduct.
Court Directives for Comprehensive Environmental Assessment
In a hearing held on Friday, the court mandated that the expert team must collect samples of soil, groundwater, and borewell water from the site. Additionally, they are required to perform a detailed on-site inspection and submit a comprehensive report by April 27. To ensure the integrity of the investigation, authorities have been instructed to maintain the status quo at the factory premises and prevent any tampering with alleged waste materials.
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, which operates in Bharja village within the Pindwara tehsil of Sirohi district. The petitioners have raised grave concerns, asserting that the factory's operations have led to extensive environmental degradation in the surrounding areas.
During the proceedings, Digvijay Singh Jasol, the counsel representing the petitioners, presented compelling evidence to the court. This included a bottle allegedly containing contaminated water sourced from the site, along with photographs that purportedly show indiscriminate dumping of waste, including hazardous and medical materials. The petitioners argued that the pollution emanating from the unit has adversely affected nearby residents and an adjoining educational institution.
Allegations of Groundwater Contamination and Public Health Risks
The petition further claimed that groundwater in the vicinity has been contaminated to such an extent that it is now unfit for human consumption. This raises alarming concerns about public health and safety, highlighting the potential risks posed by the factory's activities to the local community.
Judicial Observations and Seriousness of the Issue
Taking note of the submissions and the material presented on record, the division bench comprising Justice Farjand Ali and Justice Chandra Shekhar Sharma observed that there was prima facie substance in the allegations. The court noted that the visual evidence appeared to corroborate claims of unregulated waste disposal and environmental pollution.
The bench underscored the seriousness of the issue, stating that the situation presents a potential environmental hazard with far-reaching consequences for local residents and students in the vicinity. It further held that the alleged contamination of groundwater elevates the matter to one of grave public concern, warranting urgent judicial intervention to address the risks.
Instructions to Local Authorities for Site Preservation
To facilitate a fair and effective inquiry, the district collector and superintendent of police in Sirohi have been instructed to ensure that no hazardous material is dumped at the site. They are also directed to preserve the existing conditions, thereby preventing any alterations that could hinder the investigation process.
