Sundergarh tribal villages objection to plying of commercial coal laden vehicle through their village road.
Rajendra Naik and others Vrs State of Odisha and others -W.P.(C) No. 6587 of 2021 | Orissa High Court | Status: Disposed off | |
For the last 12 years villagers of 7 Gram Panchayat comprising of nearly 70 thousand villagers mostly Adivasis of Hemgiri Block of Sundergarh District are objecting to the illegal plying of commercial multi axil coal laden vehicle through their village road thereby causing coal dust pollution affecting their livelihood, health and habitat. The Mahanadi Coal Field in operating the Kulda Mines from where coal are being transported to NTPC, Sundergarh and Jindal Steel in Raigarh, Chattishgarh. In order to cut the cost of transportation of coal the transport companies, local administration, MCL and Jindal Steel are transporting the coal illegaly through the village road in clear violation of the approved mining plan.
The writ application in form of a PIL was filed before the High Court of Orissa. On hearing the case in details the Hon'ble High Court was pleased to direct the Collector, Sundergarh to conduct a public hearing in the presence of all the stake holders, their representative and the various regulatory bodies of the State and the Central Government. The Court further directed the Collector, Sundergarh to conduct a fact finding and pass necessary interim order as to regulate the impact of coal dust pollution.
The Collector, Sundergarh vide Order dated 26.03.2021 has passed an order that to regulate the dust pollution the boundary walls of the Schools will be increased in height and air condition unit shall be installed in the schools and Anganwadi centers.