Context:
Recently, the Supreme Court disallowed the reopening of Vedanta’s Sterlite copper smelting plant in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi.
Supreme Court Asks Vedanta How Could It Operate Tuticorin Copper Plant Despite Expiry Of Its Hazardous Waste Authorisation
- Renewal of Licence: The Court heard Vedanta’s appeal to re-open the plant, closed in 2018 after the State Pollution Control Board and authorities refused to renew their consent to operate citing grounds of pollution.
- Shared Responsibility for Environmental Degradation: The Supreme Court identifies that the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) and the Thoothukudi district administration were “equally responsible” for the piling up of toxins linked to Vedanta’s copper smelting plant.
Background of Plant Shutdown:
- In 1994: Sterlite Copper has been facing protests since its inception in 1994.
- Concerns: The local community’s concerns include hazardous industrial operations that produce toxins, pollution of the environment and their impact on public health.
- In 2013: Following a gas leak in March 2013, the state government ordered the shutting down of the plant, and the Supreme Court fined Sterlite Rs 100 crore for flouting environmental norms the following month, but the plant was in operation in June 2013.
- In 2018: It was shut down again following the violent protests and police firing in May 2018.
Pollution Control Boards in India
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB):
- Formed: It was constituted in September 1974 under the Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act, 1974.
- Powers: It is also entrusted with the powers and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
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Principal Functions:
- To promote cleanliness of streams and wells in different areas of the States by prevention, control and abatement of water pollution, and
- To improve the quality of air and to prevent, control or abate air pollution in the country.
- It also provides technical services to the Ministry of Environment and Forests of the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
About State Pollution Control Board (SPCB):
- Formed by: State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs), a statutory authority, constituted under Section 4 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 by the respective State Government.
- Composition: The members are nominated by respective State Governments.
- Mandate: They supplement the Central Pollution Control Board, to implement Environmental Laws and rules within the jurisdiction of a state.
- Challenges with SPCBs: More responsibilities but limited capacities
- Shortage of technical experts and administrators lack domain expertise
- Low motivation and accountability
- Poor multi-sectoral coordination
- About Pollution Control Committee (PCC): A statutory authority that performs similar functions to SPCB, however it belongs to Union territories.
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News Source: The Hindu Business line
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February 23, 2024