Chinmaya IAS Academy – Current Affairs Chinmaya IAS Academy – Current Affairs
PRELIMS BITS
The Supreme Court issued directions to curb pollution caused by tanneries in the Palar River, Tamil Nadu.
- Palar River Pollution: The river is heavily polluted by untreated chemical effluents from tanneries, including toxic heavy metals like chromium.
- Tanneries: Factories where animal hides are processed into leather. Untreated discharge causes irreversible damage to water bodies, groundwater, and agricultural lands.
Key Highlights of SC Directions
- Compensation: The state government must pay compensation to affected individuals, recoverable from polluters under the ‘polluter pays’ principle.
- Expert Committee: The state should form an expert committee to assess ecological damage and suggest remedial measures.
SC Judgements on Environmental Issues
- Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra vs. State (1988): Recognized the right to a healthy environment under Article 21 of the Constitution.
- M.C. Mehta vs. Union of India (1987): Acknowledged the right to a pollution-free environment as part of the fundamental right to life.
- T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad vs Union of India & Ors (1996): Expanded the definition of ‘forest’ to preserve green expanses, regardless of classification or ownership.