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The Supreme Court of India delivered a landmark judgment, characterizing the irreversible environmental damage inflicted upon the Palar River by tannery effluents as an 'ecocide'. This damning assessment stems from the decades-long discharge of untreated wastewater from numerous tanneries located in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, a region housing approximately 45% of India's total tanneries. The Palar River, a vital water source for 30 towns and 50 villages, has suffered catastrophic consequences, with the court highlighting the plight of the tannery workers, many of whom are women, whose working conditions are likened to those of manual scavengers. The judgment, spanning 116 pages, meticulously details the extent of the environmental degradation, emphasizing the impoverishment of local farmers and the severe health risks faced by residents. The court's decision underscores the urgent need for comprehensive remediation and highlights the long-term neglect of environmental regulations within the leather industry.
The Palar River, once celebrated in Indian literature and culture, has been irrevocably altered by the unchecked industrial pollution. The court noted that tannery wastewater is laden with pollutants including suspended solids, nitrogen, sulphate, sulphide, chloride, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and chromium. While some wastewater treatment began after 1980, a 2024 report from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board revealed alarmingly higher concentrations of these pollutants in the river compared to 2015. This underscores the ongoing and escalating environmental crisis. The judgment acknowledges the significant contribution of the leather industry to India's economy, generating approximately ₹40,000 crore and representing 13% of global leather production. However, the court emphasizes that this economic contribution cannot come at the expense of public health and environmental sustainability. The strategic location of tannery clusters in areas with limited livelihood options further exacerbates the societal inequalities linked to this pollution.
The Supreme Court's decision is far-reaching and holds both the state government and the polluting tanneries accountable. Refusing to remain a passive observer to the devastating consequences of environmental negligence, the court issued a series of directives aimed at achieving a balance between economic interests and environmental protection. A crucial element of the judgment is the mandate to distribute compensation, as determined by the Union government's Loss of Ecology (Prevention and Payment of Compensation) Authority in 2001, to over 29,000 affected families in Vellore. Furthermore, the court ordered the establishment of an expert committee, chaired by a retired High Court judge, to conduct a comprehensive environmental audit in Vellore district. This committee will be responsible for identifying sources of pollution, implementing remediation measures, and ultimately creating a healthier environment. The four-week timeframe for the committee's formation underscores the court's determination to expedite action and prevent further environmental damage.
The Supreme Court’s judgment serves as a powerful legal precedent, demonstrating a commitment to environmental justice and holding both the state and industrial actors accountable for environmental degradation. The use of the term 'ecocide' highlights the gravity of the situation and underscores the need for decisive and immediate action. The case goes beyond the immediate environmental impact, illuminating the interconnectedness of environmental damage, public health, and socio-economic inequalities. The long-term effects of pollution on the health and livelihoods of the affected communities are undeniable and demand comprehensive, sustainable solutions. The establishment of the expert committee and the distribution of compensation are steps towards restorative justice, but the long-term success of these measures will require sustained commitment from all stakeholders. The case also raises important questions about industrial regulation, environmental monitoring, and the balance between economic development and environmental protection in developing nations.
Source: SC judgment compares tannery pollution in Palar river to an ‘ecocide’