SUPREME COURT DIRECTIONS ON PALAR RIVER POLLUTION

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.