The Jharkhand High Court sought replies from the State Government, PCB, and DGP on pollution and traffic issues linked to a proposed Ramgarh Coal Washery. Acting on a PIL, the court set the next hearing for 9th September and ordered strict enforcement of related rules.
The Jharkhand High Court has sought detailed responses from the State Government and the Pollution Control Board (PCB) over the opening of a new Coal Washery in Ramgarh. The matter came up before the division bench of Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Rajesh Shankar during a hearing on 11th August. The court accepted requests from all parties for more time to submit detailed replies and fixed the next hearing for 9th September.
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Court’s Directives on Pollution and Traffic Rules
The court instructed the Government to respond on noise pollution, the PCB on environmental hazards from the Washery, and the DGP on compliance with traffic rules. Earlier, the court had ordered strict enforcement of the Motor Vehicles Act, removal of unauthorized flags from vehicles, and adherence to the Flag Code. It also prohibited pressure horns, multi-tone horns, extra lights, and modified vehicles on roads. Red and blue lights resembling emergency vehicles were ordered to be removed immediately. The PCB was also directed to ensure no loudspeakers operate between 10 PM and 6 AM.
Petition Highlights Dust and Noise Problems
The public interest litigation (PIL) was filed by Khushilal Mahto, raising concerns about pollution due to the proposed Coal Washery. Following earlier court orders, JHALSA’s Member Secretary inspected the site and reported that the road connecting Basantpur to the Washery, about 400 meters long, was badly damaged. This has been causing dust problems for villagers and noise disturbances from trucks carrying coal to the dumping yard.
The court has given time to all respondents to file their affidavits with specific details on pollution control and rule enforcement. The matter will now be heard on 9th September, when the court will review compliance and consider further orders to protect residents from environmental and traffic-related hazards.
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