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Judgment
This original application is registered in suo-moto exercise of power on the basis of the news item titled “6 dead, 1000 infected in suspected cholera outbreak in Rourkela” appearing in The Hindu dated 21.12.2023.
As per the said news item on account of cholera outbreak since December in Rourkela (Odisha) over 1000 people have been infected and 8 deaths have taken place. The disease is suspected to be caused by water contamination leading to severe health complications among the affected populace. Six places in Rourkela have been identified as hotspots for diarrhea infection. As per the said report it is suspected that the infection has spread through a rupture in water supply pipes.
News item raises substantial issue relating to compliance of the provisions contained in the Schedule enactments.
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.
Hence in the circumstance of the case we deem it proper to implead the following as respondents in this original application:
(i) District Magistrate, Rourkela
(ii) Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Rourkela
(iii) Member Secretary, Odisha State Pollution Control Board
(iv) Secretary, Ministry of Environment & Forest & Climate Change
(v) Member Secretary, Central Pollution Control Board
Let notice be issued to the above respondents for filing their response before the Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata atleast one week before the next date of hearing.
Since the matter relates to the Eastern Zone Bench of the Tribunal, therefore, the original application is transferred to the said bench for appropriate further action. The Registry is directed to transfer the record of this matter to the Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata.
List on 25.01.2024 before the Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata.