Bihar Gas Leak Tragedy: NGT Forms Committee To Submit Report Regarding Allegations And Determine Compensation

The Eastern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has constituted a three-member committee to submit a report regarding the allegations of a leakage of an ammonia gas cylinder at a dairy in Bihar’s Hajipur on June 25.

A suo moto cognisance was taken by the Tribunal regarding the incident in which reportedly one labourer had died, and 35 people have been injured.

While issuing notice, the bench of Justice B. Amit Sthalekar, Dr. Afroz Ahmad said, “Considering the allegations made, we deem it appropriate to constitute a Committee comprising of the following Members:- i) Senior Scientist, Central Pollution Control Board, ii) Senior Scientist, Bihar State Pollution Control Board, and iii) Collector & District Magistrate, Vaishali, or his nominee not

below the rank of ADM.”

It was further directed that the Committee shall visit the site and submit its reports with regard to the allegations made in the newspaper report within four weeks.

The Committee is also tasked with determining the compensation, if any, for the deceased by identifying him by name and stating the same in the Report.

Additionally, if the allegation of leakage of an ammonia gas cylinder at the dairy is established, the Tribunal added that it shall also determine the Environmental Compensation.

The matter is listed for August 16 for further consideration.

Case Title: In Re: News Item published in Newspaper The Hindu, dated 26.06.2023 titled “One dead, 35 injured after ammonia leak in Bihar dairy”