New Delhi, Jan 30 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Tamil Nadu government to form a committee headed by a retired High Court judge to ensure the maintenance of a clean environment in Vellore, India’s leather hub.
The Bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan issued the order while hearing a case concerning the discharge of untreated effluents by tanneries into the Palar River, which has caused severe environmental degradation and health hazards in the district.
The Court observed that pollution is a “continuing wrong until reversed” and emphasized the necessity of periodic environmental assessments by the proposed committee.
“Discharging untreated or partially treated waste has caused irreversible damage and health hazards to people, violating environmental laws,” the Court noted.
Key directives issued by the Supreme Court include compensation to the affected families and the formation of a monitoring committee.
The Court directed that the State must pay compensation to all affected families as previously ordered by the Madras High Court and recover the amount from polluters under the Revenue Recovery Act.
The Court further directed that the State must constitute a committee led by a retired High Court judge to conduct environmental audits and implement measures for cleaning, desilting, and river flow management in Vellore.
The matter will be listed for compliance monitoring after four months, the court said.
The Court underscored that any license granted by authorities cannot justify a violation of environmental laws and affirmed the High Court’s previous order on the issue.
Justice Pardiwala issued a stern warning during the proceedings, stating, “On breach of any of these conditions, we will send you to Tihar Jail and not Tamil Nadu. Understood?”
The Court said that their decision should address long-standing environmental concerns in Vellore and hold polluters accountable.