National Green Tribunal Takes Cognisance of Environmental Pollution in Arunachal Pradesh
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has officially taken notice of a serious environmental pollution case involving two ferro alloy manufacturing units operating in Arunachal Pradesh's East Siang district. The tribunal's Eastern Zone Bench in Kolkata has issued formal notices to the respondents after hearing preliminary submissions on March 9.
Petition Details and Allegations
The matter came before the NGT following an application filed by the Industrial Growth Centre Pollution Affected People's Forum (IGCPAPF) along with another applicant. The petition presents grave allegations against M/s Arunachal Ferro Alloy and M/s Aether Alloys LLP, claiming their industrial operations have caused extensive environmental damage affecting seven specific villages: Ruksin, Niglok, Ngorlung, Ralung, Mikong, Mangnang, and Lingka.
According to the detailed application, emissions from these industrial units have resulted in significant air pollution through dust and smoke emissions. Furthermore, the petition alleges contamination of nearby water bodies and agricultural land, creating a multi-faceted environmental crisis in the region.
Health and Biodiversity Impacts
The environmental degradation has reportedly led to severe consequences for both human health and local biodiversity. Residents of the affected villages have been suffering from various respiratory ailments, including:
- Chronic bronchitis
- Lung fibrosis
- Silicosis
These health issues are attributed to prolonged exposure to industrial emissions from the ferro alloy units. Additionally, the petition highlights a concerning decline in aquatic biodiversity, with noticeable reductions in species such as frogs and fish in the affected areas.
Demands and Tribunal Observations
The applicants have made several specific demands to address the environmental crisis:
- Formation of a joint committee comprising environmental experts and district officials to conduct a thorough investigation
- Restoration of environmental damage caused by the industrial units
- Consideration of permanent closure if the units are found to be operating in non-feasible locations
- Environmental compensation for the affected communities
- Criminal action against the concerned industrial units and officials under the Environment Protection Act, 1986
After reviewing the preliminary submissions, the NGT observed that the averments raised substantial environmental issues under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. This recognition led to the tribunal's decision to issue formal notices to all respondents involved in the case.
Next Steps and Legal Proceedings
The matter has been officially listed for further hearing on April 6, when the tribunal will continue examining the evidence and arguments presented by both sides. This case represents a significant environmental justice proceeding in Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting the growing concerns about industrial pollution in ecologically sensitive regions of Northeast India.
The NGT's intervention demonstrates the tribunal's commitment to addressing environmental violations and protecting vulnerable communities from industrial pollution. As the legal proceedings advance, all eyes will be on the April 6 hearing to see how the tribunal addresses these serious allegations of environmental degradation and public health impacts in East Siang district.
