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The Nagpur bench of Bombay high court on Thursday took note of allegations that worsening pollution from the Khaparkheda thermal power station forced residents of nearby villages to migrate, citing toxic emissions, dust and chemical contamination that made air and water unsafe for daily use.
Acting on a PIL filed by social activist Rajesh Chavan, a division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode issued notices to the state energy department, including its secretary, and other concerned authorities, directing them to file detailed responses within 2 weeks.
During the hearing, court-appointed amicus curiae Nilesh Kalwaghe placed a joint report published on July 8, 2024, by the Pollution Control Board, CSIR, NEERI and IIT Bombay on air quality in 10 cities across Maharashtra. The report, which includes Nagpur, Chandrapur and Amravati, identifies the Khaparkheda thermal power plant as a significant contributor to air pollution in the Nagpur region.
The PIL alleges that operations of the Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited‘s (MSPGCL) Khaparkheda plant caused extensive environmental damage, affecting air quality, groundwater, agriculture, vegetation and wildlife. It further claims that contaminated water deprived residents of access to safe drinking water, compelling several families to leave their villages in search of healthier living conditions.
The court was told that pollution from the power station reached levels that threatened the fundamental right to life and health of local residents, warranting immediate judicial intervention.
The petitioner sought the constitution of an independent expert committee comprising pollution specialists, scientists, environmental experts and researchers to assess the extent of damage, hear all stakeholders and submit a comprehensive report.
The plea also seeks a clear fixing of responsibility on MSPGCL and the formulation of a concrete, enforceable action plan to curb pollution. As an alternative, the petitioner urged the court to appoint experts from the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Disciplinary and penal action against erring officials of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board was also sought.
Taking note of the report and the submissions, the High Court directed all respondents to place their stand on record.
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