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Orissa HC Sends Fly Ash Plea to National Green Tribunal
8 Feb
Summary
- Court declined to hear a plea on environmental damage from fly ash.
- Petitioners must approach the National Green Tribunal for relief.
- Allegations include air, water pollution, and crop damage.
The Orissa High Court has directed petitioners to seek redressal from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) regarding environmental damage claims. A writ petition highlighting issues stemming from the unregulated use of fly ash in the construction of NH-49 in Jharsuguda district was brought before a division bench.
The petitioners alleged that indiscriminate dumping of fly ash caused severe environmental consequences. These included air and water pollution, widespread crop damage, contamination of ponds and groundwater, and the death of fish in affected areas.
The High Court bench, comprising Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice M.S. Raman, questioned the maintainability of the writ petition. They noted that the allegations squarely fall within the NGT's purview, as established by the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
While acknowledging the importance of the concerns raised, the court deemed the NGT the appropriate forum for such environmental disputes. The petitioners were thus advised to pursue their case with the specialized tribunal.
