MAHENDRA SINGH Vs. STATE OF UTTARAKHAND AND OTHERS

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner has highlighted discharge of industrial effluents by the respondent no.4 in the playground of the college. The letting of untreated chemical/industrial waste/effluent has degraded the underground water. It has also caused air pollution. The hazardous waste has been dumped in the play fields without treatment.

(2.) The respondent no.3 issued notice to the respondent no. 4 from time to time. The respondent no.3 has also directed the concerned authorities to disconnect the power supply of the respondent no.4. The Industry was also ordered to be closed by the respondent no.3. Thereafter, respondent no.4 submitted an application. Respondent no.3 has issued NOC to the respondent no.4. According to respondent no.3, the plant is being run in accordance with the provisions of Environmental Law.

(3.) The Court's attention has been drawn to the photographs placed on record. It shows tremendous damage caused to the environment and ecology of the area. The students play in the playgrounds. How the District Administration could permit this to happen is beyond our comprehension. The effluent water is spread over in the larger area in the playground as well as in the adjoining areas. Every citizen living around the factory has a fundamental right to have a pollution free environment. Every citizen has a fundamental right to have potable water under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.