Jharkhand HC orders twice-yearly pollution inspections in Ramgarh industries
SUMAN K SHRIVASTAVA Ranchi, September 14: The Jharkhand High Court has directed the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB) to conduct inspections…
SUMAN K SHRIVASTAVA
Ranchi, September 14: The Jharkhand High Court has directed the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB) to conduct inspections of two industrial units in Ramgarh twice every year, including at least one inspection without prior notice, while ordering stricter monitoring of air and water quality in the area.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice M. S. Sonak and Justice Rajesh Shankar issued the directions while disposing of a Public Interest Litigation seeking action against alleged air and water pollution caused by industries in Ramgarh. The court, however, said the material presently available did not establish any continuing statutory violation by the respondent industries.
Court orders regular inspection of Ramgarh industries
The court directed the Regional Officer, JSPCB, Hazaribagh, to inspect Bihar Foundry and Casting Limited and Dayal Steel Limited twice in every calendar year. At least one inspection of each unit must be conducted without prior notice and cover stack emissions, effluent, where applicable, and the functioning of pollution-control and continuous monitoring equipment.
Inspection reports must be placed before the Member Secretary, JSPCB, within two weeks of each inspection. The court also made it mandatory for any failure to conduct the inspections to be explained in writing.
48-hour pollution exceedance to trigger action
The High Court ordered that continuous emission monitoring data from Bihar Foundry and Casting Limited, and from Dayal Steel Limited wherever such systems are installed, must remain connected to the Board’s server.
If an emission exceedance continues for more than 48 hours, the Board will have to issue a show-cause notice to the concerned industrial unit within seven days of detecting it. The unit will have a further 15 days to respond, failing which the Board can take action under the applicable environmental laws.
Fresh water testing ordered near VIVA International School
The court also ordered fresh sampling of water sources earlier tested near VIVA International School and any identified discharge points of the two industries within three months of the judgment.
The samples are to be collected through an accredited laboratory, including upstream and downstream locations wherever the River Damodar is involved. The Board must submit the report to the Deputy Commissioner, Ramgarh, within one month of collecting the samples.
If industrial discharge is found to be responsible for contamination, the Board has been directed to initiate proceedings, including assessment of environmental compensation. If the contamination is consistent with municipal sources, the report is to be forwarded to the Drinking Water and Sanitation Department for appropriate action.
Court says air quality compliance largely satisfactory
The PIL had alleged that industries in Ramgarh were emitting toxic smoke, dust and gases, affecting surrounding areas. The court noted that Ramgarh is an industrial town where residential areas, schools, public institutions and a jail exist in close proximity to heavy manufacturing units.
However, the court said the JSPCB’s records showed that both industrial units possessed valid and subsisting Consents to Operate. Inspection and analytical reports also indicated compliance with prescribed air-emission parameters. Data from the Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station for July 22–31, 2025 showed ambient particulate matter within statutory limits.
On water quality, the court noted that fluoride, total dissolved solids and nitrate levels near VIVA International School were marginally above prescribed limits. It said the available report did not establish whether the marginal exceedance was attributable to industrial discharge, geogenic factors or municipal sources.
Court stresses continuous environmental monitoring
The High Court emphasised that environmental degradation does not remain confined to administrative boundaries and that pollution can affect communities beyond its point of origin. It noted that the River Damodar flows through Ramgarh and Bokaro and Dhanbad before entering West Bengal.
The court said the existing environmental laws provide a sufficiently robust framework to prevent pollution from becoming serious, provided enforcement agencies act promptly and effectively.
It also stressed the need to balance industrial development with environmental protection, observing that the directions issued in the case were intended to ensure that the existing statutory monitoring mechanism remains functional, regular and effective rather than creating a new regulatory regime.
JSPCB given four months to submit compliance report
The Member Secretary, JSPCB, has been directed to file a compliance affidavit before the High Court within four months, detailing compliance with the directions issued by the Bench and specifying any defaults and the reasons for them.
The petitioner has also been given liberty to approach the High Court through an interlocutory application if there is non-compliance with the directions or any fresh instance of the pollution complained of.
The court clarified that the directions would not prevent competent authorities from taking additional coercive measures, including criminal prosecution of defaulting industries or individuals, in accordance with law.
