Inspect unit burning quantum of coconut shells causing pollution'

CHENNAI: The MHC has directed the District Environment Engineer (DEE), Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), Tirupur North, to inspect United Carbon Solutions in Kangeyam for reportedly burning huge quantities of coconut shells causing air and groundwater pollution.

Citing the report by South Indian Textile Research Association’s (SITRA), Textile Testing and Service Centre in the area, which revealed that the chemical components exceeded permissible limits, the petitioner, K Vasunathan, sought closure of the unit. He submitted that the information obtained under the Right to Information Act also disclosed that the company did not obtain consent from the TNPCB for operating the unit.

However, TNPCB’s counsel submitted that the consent granted to the unit to operate was valid until March 31, 2020, and that an inspection would be done based on the petitioner’s representation. Depending on the outcome, further action would be taken, the counsel added. Following this, a division bench comprising Justice M Sathaynarayanan and Justice N Seshasayee, said it was taking into consideration the rival submissions but not going into the merits of the claim projected by the petitioner, either in his representation or in the writ petition. It then directed the DEE to inspect the unit to find out about the compliance of the conditions for granting consent. “If any infraction is noted, the DEE shall take appropriate action in accordance with law to abate the nuisance/pollution,” the bench added. It then directed TNPCB to carry out the inspection within six weeks and communicate the decision to the petitioner as well as to the company and the landowner. During course of arguments, the court also put a specific query to the petitioner about the chances of the groundwater there being polluted, as the lands are classified as “garden lands” where there are coconut trees, with a possibility that pesticides and chemical fertilisers being used.