In response to the escalating air pollution and illegal mining issues in Dhanbad, the Jharkhand High Court reprimanded the authorities during a public interest litigation session. The court, led by Chief Justice M.S. Sonak, instructed key officials to personally appear before the court on April 2, including the Deputy Commissioner, Senior Superintendent of Police, Member Secretary of the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board, and the Municipal Commissioner of Dhanbad.
Expressing grave concern over the deteriorating air quality and reports of unlawful mining activities in Dhanbad, the court summoned the Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) to provide suggestions on tackling pollution in the coal mining region. The court highlighted the significant health risks posed to residents due to heightened levels of coal dust, leading to respiratory issues and other illnesses.
During the proceedings, BCCL informed the court about initiatives such as developing parks in abandoned open-pit mines to enhance environmental conditions. Despite lodging multiple complaints to combat illegal mining, BCCL criticized the lack of adequate police action. The court, dissatisfied with the current measures, emphasized the need for top officials to take direct responsibility for addressing the escalating pollution crisis in Dhanbad.
