BHAVANI RIVER V. SAKTHI SUGARS LTD.

In the present case the issue was pertaining to pollution of river Bhavani from the effluents discharged by the industry. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board under Section 33-A of the Act had issued directions, which were aimed at ensuring proper storage of the effluent in lagoons and for proper treatment and disposal of the treated effluent. The Supreme Court held that pollution is continuing because of the actions of the industry and no remedial steps taken to prevent pollution and contamination of river water. Factory failed to arrest unabated pollution which has become a health hazard and environmental enemy. The Court directed that the industry be closed and also directed the Board to submit a compliance report within ten days. The Court also directed the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute NEERI to conduct an inspection of the industry and submit a report stating if pollution control devices have been fixed by the industry and proper steps are taken to control pollution in accordance with the provisions of the Act. NEERI was directed to examine the surrounding area and inform the Court about the cost of restituting the area ecologically.