PRABHUNATH PANDEY Vs. STATE OF JHARKHAND

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This writ petition, by way of Public Interest Litigation, has been filed by the petitioner for a direction upon respondent no. 1 to 8 to take steps for closure of the unit of respondent no. 9 on the ground that it is dealing with dangerous combustible chemicals/Oils in the manufacture of soap in the factory premises, said to have been established in a densely populated residential area. The matter was heard time to time. The last order dated15.1.2010 reads as under:

(2.) In compliance of the aforesaid order an affidavit has been filed by the Pollution Control Board stating, inter alia, that the unit of respondent no. 9 was inspected by the Regional Officer, Pollution Control Board, Dhanbad along with Junior Environmental Engineer on 2.2.2010 and specific direction have been issued to the unit of respondent no. 9 for the storage of adequate quantity of water and foam in order to meet any accident on account of fire. It is further stated that the unit is having four tanks surrounded by brick built wall where storage of sufficient safety materials have been provided.

(3.) Learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that since the unit is located in a densely populated area, a direction be issued to the pollution Control Board to time to time issue necessary directions in order to ensure safety and security of the people at large.