Gujarat HC Asked to Identify Dahej Blast Victims
The accident occurred at the company’s pesticide plant in Dahej on May 17, 2022, leaving eight people dead and several others injured.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court to register a suo motu case to identify victims of the 2022 industrial accident at a pesticide plant operated by Bharat Rasayan Ltd and facilitate the payment of compensation to them.
The accident occurred at the company’s pesticide plant in Dahej on May 17, 2022, leaving eight people dead and several others injured.
An alleged reactor defect caused a blast and fire at the plant. The incident also raised concerns over toxic emissions and chemical contamination.
Applying the “polluter pays” principle, the National Green Tribunal on May 29, 2024, imposed environmental compensation of approximately ₹13.5 crore on the company.
The tribunal directed the Gujarat Pollution Control Board to use the money for environmental restoration and improvement measures within a 10-km radius of the plant.
On Wednesday, a three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana took note of the Central Pollution Control Board’s submission that the state pollution control board had been directed to spend the money strictly on environmental improvement and restoration.
The apex court was also informed that, apart from that amount, about ₹3.27 crore was lying with its registry for disbursal to the victims or their family members or legal heirs.
The court was told that the authorities had been unable to identify the victims and their family members for the disbursal of compensation.
Taking note of the issue, the court asked the Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court to register a suo motu case to identify the victims or their family members.
It directed its registry to keep the money in a fixed deposit for another year and release it after the High Court identified those entitled to receive the compensation.