The Jharkhand High Court has issued a series of directions to the Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), the State Pollution Control Board, and the State administration to address issues of pollution, damaged roads, and regulatory non-compliance in relation to a coal washery in Ramgarh district. The matter was heard by a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad.
Background
The case was filed as a Public Interest Litigation by Khushilal Mahto and others, raising concerns over environmental pollution and poor infrastructure surrounding a coal washery operated by Central Coalfields Limited near Basantpur village in Ramgarh district. The key issues highlighted included the condition of the access road and the emission of coal dust due to uncovered trucks.
Earlier, the High Court had directed the Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Ramgarh, to conduct an on-site inspection to assess two issues:
- Whether adequate roads have been constructed on the site of the coal washery.
- Whether trucks carrying coal are properly covered to prevent dust and other pollution.
Secretary’s Inspection Report
Due to an ongoing strike by truck operators, the Secretary could not assess whether coal-carrying trucks were properly covered. However, on the issue of road infrastructure, the inspection revealed that:
- The road connecting Basantpur to the coal washery was damaged approximately 400 meters from the site.
- The damaged road condition led to villagers facing “fugitive dust problems and noises during plying of vehicles/dumping trucks.”
Court’s Directions
Considering the findings, the High Court issued the following directions:
- Road Repair:
“The damaged road of 400 meters shall be repaired by the 4th respondent [Central Coalfields Limited] by making road to the village and the black-tops shall be raised only after the monsoon.” - Covering of Trucks:
“It shall be ensured that all the trucks carrying coals to the coal washery would be covered with tarpaulin so as to ensure that no dust is spread during the transportation of coal.” - Noise Pollution Compliance:
The Superintendent of Police, Ramgarh, was directed to ensure that no trucks use pressure horns, multi-tone horns, or other equipment causing noise pollution. Compliance with Chapter V of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 was mandated. - Regulatory Enforcement by JSPCB:
The Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board and its Member Secretary were directed to ensure:
- Full compliance with Chapter V of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 and the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.
- Prohibition of vehicles with pressure horns, multi-tone horns, extra lights, or modifications.
- Removal of red and blue lights resembling emergency vehicles.
- Enforcement of the Flag Code by removing all unauthorized flags, “irrespective of the political parties, religious denomination etc.”
- Filing of a status report on personal affidavits by the Director General of Police and the Member Secretary, Pollution Control Board, by the next date of hearing.
- Full compliance with Chapter V of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 and the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.
- Restriction on Loudspeakers:
“It also be ensured that no loudspeakers without permission be permitted to operate after 10:00 p.m. till 6:00 a.m.”
Further Proceedings
Since the Secretary, DLSA could not inspect the second issue due to the strike, the Court directed that a fresh report be submitted before the next hearing.
Next date of hearing: August 11, 2025.
