CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has directed the TN Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) to take action on a representation against a private power plant in Pandarapalli village, Krishnagiri district. The petition alleged that the plant was causing air, water and noise pollution around the plant.
The First Bench of Chief Justice SK Kaul and Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana issued the directive while disposing of the pubic interest litigation (PIL) moved by S Ramanathan, vice-president, Krishnagiri unit of Congress Committee and resident of Pochampalli village.
Ramanathan, in his representation dated January 30 addressed to the President of India, submitted that Samalpatti Power Company Private Limited began working from 2001, generating power using Low Sulfur Heavy Stock (LHSH) as fuel.
“The effluents and emission generated by the company badly affects the environment, besides the deafening sound and rattling vibrations up to 50 kms. The unit creates air and water pollution, causing serious health hazards to the local people,” said Ramanathan in his petition.
He alleged that ever since the unit began working, there was no rainfall in the 50 kms radius area. The sulfur content of the smoke emitted by the unit, which was beyond the prescribed limit, increased the normal temperature, made the atmosphere warmer and evaporated the water content in the cloud, he added.
Alleging that he was compelled to approach the High Court as he was threatened by the plant management for sending petitions to authorities and for organising protests, he wanted the authorities concerned not to renew the licence that expires early 2016.
In February last, the President forwarded the complaint to the TN Chief Secretary for action. As there was no positive action, Ramanathan filed the PIL for a directive to the Chief Secretary to take appropriate action on his complaint and the subsequent reminder dated May 15. Admitting the petition, the Bench directed Ramanathan to submit a detailed petition to the TNPCB, which should dispose of it within a month.
Plea on helmet notice dismissed
Chennai: The Madras High Court on Tuesday dismissed the petition moved against the public notice issued by the State government mandating helmets compulsory for both the rider and pillion riders from July 1 and that documents of violating vehicles would be impounded. Gopalakrishnan, of Thambu Chetty Street approached the court challenging the notice dated June 18 issued by the Principal Secretary (Home Department). The notice was issued following an HC order on helmets.
Officer to get autopsy Report
Chennai: Madras High Court on Tuesday directed the investigating officer (IO) probing the death of Dalit engineer V Gokulraj (22) in Namakkal, suspected to be honour killing, to carry out the probe in accordance with law and ordered the Registrar General of the Court to provide the IO with a copy of the post-mortem report of the deceased. On Friday last, the Division Bench directed the dean of a Salem hospital to form a doctors team for the post-mortem.