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Judgment
This original application is registered in suo-moto exercise of power on the basis of the news item titled “Fire in Kozhikode waste treatment plant: Opposition alleges corporation’s conspiracy” published in ‘Onmanorama’ dated 09.10.2023.
The power of the Tribunal to take up the matter in suo-motu exercise of power has been recognized by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the matter of “Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs. Ankita Sinha & Ors.” reported in 2021 SCC Online SC 897.
As per the said news report, fire broke out around 9.30 am in a waste treatment plant at West Hill, Kozhikode and necessitated the deployment of 10 fire units. The report says that toxic fumes were choking the area and people were complaining of health issues due to smell of burning of plastic hanging in the air.
As per the report, such fire accidents are very common in Kozhikode Corporation and it has been alleged that there is a conspiracy behind the fire accident in the waste treatment plant at West Hill. The news paper report further states that non-biodegradable waste items like plastic collected by the Corporation staff from public places are stored in this plant and a private firm is in charge for operation of the plant.
Perusal of the report reveals that a serious issue relating to compliance of environment laws is involved in the matter
On the basis of the advance notice, Counsel for the State of Kerala and Kerala State Pollution Control Board are present who are directed to file their report within a period of four weeks before Southern Zone Bench, Chennai.
Since the matter relates to the Southern Zone Bench (SZB) of the Tribunal, therefore, it is transferred to the SZB, Chennai for further action. Registry is directed to transfer the records of this matter to SZB, Chennai.
List the matter before Southern Zone Bench on 14.12.2023.