NGT Constitutes Committee to Probe Bihar Gas Leak Tragedy and Assess Compensation

NGT Constitutes Committee to Probe Bihar Gas Leak Tragedy and Assess Compensation

The Eastern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has formed a three-member committee to investigate the allegations of an ammonia gas cylinder leakage at a dairy in Hajipur, Bihar, on June 25. The committee is tasked with submitting a comprehensive report on the incident.

The Tribunal took suo moto cognisance of the incident, wherein it was reported that one labourer lost his life, and 35 other individuals sustained injuries due to the ammonia gas cylinder leakage at the Hajipur dairy.

“Considering the allegations made, we deem it appropriate to constitute a Committee comprising of the following Members:- i) Senior Scientist, Central Pollution Control Board, ii) Senior Scientist, Bihar State Pollution Control Board, and iii) Collector & District Magistrate, Vaishali, or his nominee not below the rank of ADM,” the bench of Justice B. Amit Sthalekar, Dr. Afroz Ahmad said while issuing notice.

In addition to taking cognisance of the incident, the Tribunal issued further directives to the three-member committee to visit the site of the incident and thoroughly investigate the allegations mentioned in the newspaper report. They are required to submit their detailed findings and reports within a timeframe of four weeks.

The committee has been tasked with identifying the deceased labourer by name and determining if any compensation is due to the family. The committee is required to include these details in their final report, providing clarity on the compensation issue.

Furthermore, if the committee verifies the allegation of an ammonia gas cylinder leakage at the dairy, the Tribunal has asserted its authority to assess and determine the appropriate Environmental Compensation for the incident.

The Tribunal has scheduled the matter for further consideration on August 16. On this date, they will review the committee's report, examine the findings, and deliberate on the appropriate course of action to address the incident and its consequences effectively.