The National Green Tribunal (NGT) took Suo Motu cognizance of the matter relating to the death of four men, all in their early 20s, due to suffocation after inhaling toxic gases while cleaning a private sewage treatment plant in a residential township in Mumbai’s Virar.
The Petition is registered suo-moto on the basis of the news item appearing in the daily newspaper dated 10.04.2024.
As per the report, two other workers who went near the plant to look for the four men also complained of uneasiness and needed treatment.
The supervisor of the agency that was carrying out the maintenance work was arrested for causing deaths due to negligence.
The Counsel for Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, on advance notice, submits that the FIR has been registered but he fairly admits that no compensation has been paid to the family members of the deceased victims.
The news item also does not reveal any step for payment of compensation.
The news item raises substantial issue relating to compliance of the environmental norms and implementation of the provisions of the Scheduled enactment.
“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, the Principal Bench of Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Dr. A Senthil Vel impleaded the following as respondents in the matter:
(1). Central Pollution Control Board through its Member Secretary.
(2). Maharashtra State Pollution Control Board through its Member Secretary.
(3). District Collector/District Magistrate, Mumbai
Since the matter relates to the Western Zonal Bench, Pune , therefore, the Bench transferred the matter to the Western Zonal Bench , for appropriate further action. Office is directed by the NGT to transfer the original record to the Western Zonal Bench and the matter is listed on 28.05.2024.