On the 8th of May, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) sought a response from the Central Government, Andhra Pradesh Government and LG Polymers for the Visakhapatnam gas leak incident.
The Visakhapatnam gas leak tragedy, which took place in the wee hours of the 7th of May resulted in 11 casualties and left hundreds of people seriously injured.
The leaked chemical gas affected residents of nearby villages within 4 km of radius like Narava, B.C Colony, Bapuji Nagar, Kampala Palem in Krishna Nagar districts, Visakhapatnam.
The matter became a concern, as the functioning of the LG Polymers, a chemical plant producing polystyrene did not have “environment clearance for continuing operation’ till May 2019.
The company was functioning without the green nod for producing polystyrene and expanding it in the area.
Justice Adarsh Kumar, the Chairperson of the NGT, reviewed the matter and issued notices to the Central Government, LG Polymers and Andhra Pradesh Government.
In addition, a non government organisation (NGO,) Centre for Wildlife and Environmental Litigation Foundation filed a petition demanding constitution of a high level committee to investigate the tragic incident. The high level committee should comprise judges and officers, not below the rank of joint secretary, to probe the incident.
The NGO also demanded direction to the A.P., Government to ensure the protection and security of the residents in those 5 villages and imposition of exemplary costs on violators.
The NGT reviewed the petition and asked the concerned authorities and the South Korean company, LG Polymers to file a counter response for the tragic incident immediately.
Meanwhile, the Gopalapatnam police registered a case against the LG Polymers authorities under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC.)
Sections charged on the company are Section 284 (negligent conduct with respect to poisonous substance,) Section 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others,) Section 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others,) Section 285 (negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter) and Section 278 (making atmosphere noxious to health.)
Source: IANS.
