Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding restitution of the area which was earlier under the asbestos mines, 22/07/2019
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Kalyan Bansingh & Others Vs HIL Ltd. & Others dated 22/07/2019 regarding restitution of the area which was earlier under the asbestos mines. Even after the clousre of the mines, safety measures for restitution of the mines to mitigate adverse environmental and health impact in the area were not taken. Asbestos dust based pollution continued to be emitted resulting in health hazards and contamination of ponds and streams.
NGT through its order of October 29, 2015 directed the States of Rajasthan, Karnataka, Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh to prepare lists of all abandoned asbestos mines or the mines from where the associated minerals were extracted, furnish such lists to the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), and in consultation with the IBM formulate a programme of visit and inspection of each mine. Joint teams were to be constituted by each state and required a submission of Joint Inspection Report by each of these States.
The matter was listed to consider the report received from the State of Jharkhand. The report dated 30.04.2019 has been received from the Director of Mines, Jharkhand stating that certain steps have been taken and a detailed project report on the rehabilitation of the abandoned mines has been prepared with the cost of Rs. 13.45 crores. The report stated that the Chief Secretary, Jharkhand met residents from the area near Roro hill, and their representatives and a meeting was convened for preparation and implementation of action plan. NGT directs the Chief Secretary of Jharkhand to oversee and implement the measures, particularly setting up of fencing with barbed wires, retaining wall and other steps and submit a compliance report by October 30, 2019.