The air in Dhanbad is a public health emergency, and the Jharkhand High Court is done waiting for excuses. In a landmark directive, it has summoned key administrators and BCCL leadership to face tough questions on April 2.
Presided by Chief Justice M.S. Sonak, the division bench addressed a PIL spotlighting air pollution from illegal mining. Officials including the DC, SSP, Jharkhand Pollution Control Board secretary, and city commissioner are to appear bodily. BCCL’s CMD must suggest pollution-busting strategies.
Oral observations painted a grim picture: abysmal air indices fueled by lawless mining and open coal hauling. The bench grilled police inaction, noting rising coal dust levels triggering widespread ailments like breathing disorders.
BCCL updated on mine reclamation into green spaces and FIRs against bootleg miners unmet by police response. A related BCCL plea was tagged to the Grameen Ekta Manch PIL. Past orders targeted mining officer reports; government’s sworn claims rang hollow on mining curbs.
Activists decried futile admin steps confined to files, while locals choke daily. Coal firm defenses on covered loads and dust control fell flat.
This escalation marks a pivotal moment. Dhanbad’s pollution saga demands not promises, but results. Expect the April hearing to chart a stricter enforcement path, safeguarding thousands from toxic exposure.