The National Green Tribunal (NGT) said that the reactor blast at Escientia Advanced Sciences Private Limited, a Pharma unit in Atchutapuram Special Economic Zone, near Anakapalli, raised “substantial issues relating to compliance of environmental norms.”
It has taken suo motu cognisance of the reactor blast, where at least 17 people died, and 36 people were injured last week. A Bench headed by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava said that it was required to ascertain if the pharma unit was complying with environmental norms and if compensation has been paid to the injured and to the families of the deceased.
On August 21, a reactor exploded and preliminary investigation has revealed that leakage of a solvent led to the reactor blast, resulting in a huge fire.
The green tribunal impleaded Central Pollution Control Board, Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board, Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Andhra Pradesh’s Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health and Anakapalli’s District Magistrate as respondent parties to the matter.
It asked authorities to file their reply before the Southern Zonal Bench of the NGT before September 23. “Since the matter falls within the jurisdiction of the Southern Zonal Bench of the Tribunal, therefore, the OA (original application) is transferred to the Southern Zonal Bench, Chennai for appropriate further action,” it said.
“If any of the respondents (authorities) directly files the reply without routing it through his advocate then the said respondent will remain virtually present to assist the Tribunal,” the order said.
Earlier, taking suo motu cognizance of the fire accident the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the State government and the police to probe whether the safety norms and legal provisions were strictly followed by the management. The Commission has sought a detailed report within two weeks.
NHRC observed that the contents of the media reports indicate violations of the victims’ Right to Life due to the concerned authorities’ negligence. Accordingly, notices have been issued to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, directing them to launch a thorough investigation. Further, NHRC said it would also like to know about the action taken against the delinquent officers responsible for the tragedy.
