A giant step was taken to protect environment when the
Supreme Court gave its judgement ordering a fine of one hundred crores Rupees
as compensation for environmental pollution caused by a copper smelting plant
in India’s southernmost tip. The lower court had given orders to close the
plant, but the big fine was awarded by the Supreme Court so that it acts as a deterrent. The principle
that the “polluter pays” is upheld, and this is an important landmark
judgement. The plant was not ordered to closed down as it would mean loss of livelihood
to 1300 persons working in it. Within three months, the privately owned plant
will have to pay the fine. One hundred crores would be deposited in bank
as fine( paid to state's pollution control board)and its interest would be used to combat ravages caused by pollution.
Three days ago there was another gas leak at the same plant. The state government is about to take measures to stop it; and Supreme
Court has given the state’s pollution control board permission to take action against the
plant. The plant had a two million tonne a year capacity, but that does not
negate the fact it was causing much much pollution to the entire coastal area. Only
the 'fine' of one hundred crore Rupees is not the end. There will be more 'fines'
slapped as per violation of “green laws” This is just the start. By these measures,
we will be able to keep a check on those polluting industries which care least for environment
while making huge profits.Facories must be able to send out clean water as they emit waste water into the sea or river.They should be held responsible for any pollution they cause, and the health of the water body should be measured constantly.
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