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Judgment
This original application was registered on the basis of a letter dated 04.06.2023 sent by Applicant with the allegation that Rukmani Power Plant is running at Village Ranisagar/Kunkuni, District Raigarh, Chhattisgarh for quite some time which is a bio-mass based plant and is illegally using the coal and ash is being thrown haphazardly in the agricultural fields.
Further, allegation is that power plant is using 270 MT coal per day and it stops ESP (electrostatic precipitator) at night, as a result of which huge quantity of PM10 and PM 2.5 particulate matters spread in the nearby villages and forest.
It also alleged that plant is using ground water in huge quantity (700 cubic meter per day) without permission of water resources department.
Further, allegation is that the smoke emitting from the plant is affecting the wildlife and biodiversity.
It also alleges that the plant is releasing the effluents in the nearby agricultural fields, affecting the fertility and till now the plant has not taken any corporate social responsibility (CSR) in respect of the villages from where the land has been acquired. The road is used by the heavy vehicles going to the plant and is damaged completely.
We are of the view that the matter relates to substantial question relating to environment and violation of environmental laws.
Hence, at this stage, we deem it proper to issue notice to Rukmani Power Plant, Ranisagar/Kunkuni, Tehsil Kharsia, District Raigarh, Chhattisgarh.
We also form a joint committee comprising of the Secretary, State Pollution Control Board and the District Magistrate, District Raigarh.
The District Magistrate, District Raigarh will act as a nodal agency.
The Joint Committee will carry out the spot inspection and ascertain the truthfulness of the allegations specifically mentioning requisite details regarding compliance with EC/consent condition, CSR activities, green belt development use of approved fuel etc.
Since, the matter relates to Central Zonal Bench of the Tribunal, therefore, it is transferred to the said Bench for further action.
The Committee is directed to submit the action taken report within a period of 8 weeks before the Central Zonal Bench, Bhopal.
A copy of this order be forwarded to the Members of the Committee by e-mail for compliance.
The Original Application is disposed of accordingly for re-registration at Central Zonal Bench.