Sambalpur: In a major relief to farmers, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a penalty of Rs 50 lakh on Hindalco Industries Limited, an aluminium manufacturing company in this district, for releasing toxic fluoride gas and damaging crops.
The panel has asked the company to take measures for a permanent solution and execute the order at the earliest, said Ashok Pradhan, the convener of the Pashchima Odisha Krushak Sangathan, a farmers’ outfit of western Odisha, at a presser Wednesday.
With the NGT verdict, the farmers’ battle with the company has come to an end, he added.
According to reports, the farmers of peripheral villages had been at the receiving end for over 15 years due to the release of toxic gases by the company. Every year the company used to pay compensation after stir by the farmers. But the compensation did not match the losses suffered.
This year also, many paddy growers suffered crop loss in July. Two farmers – G. Sinu of Dengimacha village and Bhairav Pradhan of Silipathar village – moved the NGT over the issue. Advocate Biswaranjan Paramguru appeared on behalf of the farmers.
Taking the complaints of the farmers and the action taken report of the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) into account, the NGT directed the company August 16 to pay Rs 50 lakh as compensation to the farmers.
The money would be spent after a discussion between the district administration and the company. The victims would be given financial assistance.
The NGT has also directed the company to develop green cover around its campus and plant saplings of large trees to check pollution. It was also asked to install an Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) to treat industrial waste to reduce peripheral pollution.
The Pashchima Odisha Krushak Sangathan’s district president, Murari Purohit, vice-president Harishankar Purohit, secretary Byomokesh Thakur, member Bibhu Patnaik and Natu Bihari Biswal were present at the press meet.