NGT issues Notice to CPCB, TNPCB over Tamil Nadu ammonia gas leak that killed 2 workers
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) and other authorities over the ammonia gas leak at a seafood processing unit in Tamil Nadu that claimed the lives of two migrant workers and hospitalised more than 60 others.
The tribunal was hearing a suo motu case based on a newspaper report on the June 21 gas leak at a shrimp processing unit in Tiruvallur district.
In an order dated July 2, a bench comprising NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Afroz Ahmad observed that the incident prima facie indicated violations of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
The bench noted that the case raises substantial concerns regarding compliance with environmental and industrial safety norms.
Referring to the preliminary investigation, the tribunal pointed out several safety lapses at the seafood processing unit. It observed that essential safety measures, including a proper alarm system, fire hydrants and Form 12 registers under the Employees' State Insurance (ESI) scheme, were not found at the facility.
While noting that the Tamil Nadu government had provided an ex gratia compensation of ₹2 lakh to the families of the two deceased workers, the tribunal said the matter required a detailed examination of environmental compliance and accountability.
The NGT impleaded the Member Secretary of the CPCB, the Member Secretary of the TNPCB, the Chennai Regional Office of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), and the Tiruvallur District Magistrate as respondents in the case.
The tribunal directed all respondents to file their replies through affidavits at least one week before the next hearing.
Citing jurisdictional reasons, the NGT transferred the matter to its Southern Zonal Bench in Chennai, where the case is scheduled to be heard on August 31.
