THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, March 12: The Jharkhand High Court has taken a strict view of rising air pollution and illegal mining in Dhanbad, summoning key district and state officials to appear before the court on April 2.
During the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) related to air pollution, the court directed the Deputy Commissioner (DC), Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Municipal Commissioner of Dhanbad and the Member Secretary of the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB) to remain present.
The court has also asked the Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) to appear personally and provide suggestions in the matter.
Court Expresses Concern Over Deteriorating Air Quality
A division bench headed by Chief Justice M.S. Sonak orally observed that the air quality in Dhanbad has deteriorated significantly.
The bench noted that reports of illegal coal mining and its transportation are continuously emerging, which is a matter of serious concern.
The court also remarked that despite several FIRs filed by BCCL regarding illegal mining, the police have not taken effective action.
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Coal Dust Adding to Pollution
The High Court observed that coal dust from mining and transportation is contributing to rising pollution levels in Dhanbad, affecting public health.
Residents are facing respiratory problems, breathing difficulties and other health issues, the court noted.
BCCL Submits Steps Taken
During the hearing, Advocate Amit Kumar Das, appearing for BCCL, informed the court that the company is filling abandoned open mines and converting them into parks.
He also said BCCL has filed multiple FIRs to curb illegal mining, but the police have not taken adequate action.
BCCL has filed a separate petition in the High Court, which the court has directed to be tagged with the PIL filed by Gramin Ekta Manch.
Court Seeks Response on Illegal Mining
The court has also sought a response from the District Mining Officer (DMO), Dhanbad, regarding the extent of illegal mining and the steps taken to stop it.
Earlier, the government had submitted an affidavit stating that action was being taken to control pollution, but it did not provide details about illegal mining activities in the district.
PIL Filed by Gramin Ekta Manch
The Gramin Ekta Manch filed the PIL alleging that Dhanbad Municipal Corporation has failed to take effective measures to curb air pollution in the coal city.
The petitioner argued that pollution levels in Dhanbad are rising rapidly, while the steps taken by authorities remain largely on paper.
Meanwhile, BCCL informed the court that coal transportation is being done under cover, water sprinkling is carried out regularly, and periodic monitoring is being conducted to control dust pollution.