Today, On 30th January, The Supreme Court ordered the formation of a panel led by a retired judge to ensure a clean environment in Vellore. The directive came in response to the illegal discharge of untreated effluents by tanneries into the Palar river in Tamil Nadu. The court emphasized the need for stringent measures to address environmental pollution.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court directed the Tamil Nadu government to establish a committee led by a retired High Court judge to supervise environmental maintenance in Vellore, a city renowned as India’s leather hub.
This decision made by the Bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan in response to a case concerning the discharge of untreated effluents from tanneries into the Palar River in Tamil Nadu.
The Court noted that pollution constitutes a continuous violation until rectified, necessitating periodic assessments of the area’s environmental conditions by the committee.
The Court stated,
“Discharging untreated or partially treated waste has resulted in irreversible damage, and the environmental degradation has posed health risks to residents. The tannery workers have therefore breached environmental laws,”
Additionally, the Court mandated the State to compensate all affected families as per the Madras High Court’s orders, with the expectation that this amount will be recovered from the polluters under the Revenue Recovery Act.
The Court further instructed,
“Any license granted by an authority should not result in a violation of the law. The High Court’s confirmation of the award is upheld. The matter will be listed again in four months for compliance,”
After delivering the ruling, Justice Pardiwala remarked,
“In the event of any breach of these conditions, we will send you to Tihar Jail, not in Tamil Nadu. Understood? This is a pathbreaking judgment by my lord Justice Mahadevan.”
In response to the court’s observations, the Government of India issued notifications in 1996 and 1997, establishing authorities to address environmental concerns in various sectors, including the tanning industry in Vellore. These authorities were mandated to be led by retired High Court judges and supported by technical experts.
The Vellore Municipal Corporation is responsible for collecting and disposing of waste, with around 83 metric tonnes of solid waste being collected every day through door-to-door services. The corporation also looks after stormwater drains and sewage systems to control water flow and keep the city clean.
In addition, some non-governmental organizations have started zero waste management programs in Vellore, encouraging waste separation and recycling to reduce the amount of waste in landfills.
These efforts by the government, educational institutions, and community groups show a strong commitment to improving the environment and keeping Vellore clean.
Case Title: Vellore District Environment Monitoring Committee v. State of Tamil Nadu
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