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NGT Probes ESL Steel Deaths Over Gas Exposure
7 Nov
Summary
- NGT investigates two worker deaths at ESL Steel in Bokaro.
- Suspected carbon monoxide exposure cited as cause of deaths.
- NGT has made several environmental bodies respondents in the case.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognizance of the deaths of two workers at ESL Steel Limited in Bokaro on October 11, allegedly due to gas exposure. The tribunal has included the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board, Central Pollution Control Board, the Union environment ministry, and the Bokaro district magistrate as respondents in this case.
The NGT bench observed that the deaths were prima facie linked to carbon monoxide exposure, though confirmation awaits postmortem reports. The tribunal views the incident as a serious concern, potentially indicating violations of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
All respondents are mandated to submit their affidavits to the eastern zonal bench in Kolkata before the next hearing, scheduled for December 21. The NGT has also stipulated virtual presence for respondents filing replies directly, without legal counsel.
