Nagpur: The Nagpur bench of the Bombay high court on Friday sought a clear response from the state and district advisory committees on what measures can be taken to address pollution from the Khaparkheda Thermal Power Plant.Hearing a PIL filed by local resident and social activist Rajesh Chavan, a division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode directed both committees to file their replies by April 23. The petition alleges that emissions from the Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Ltd’s Khaparkheda plant are adversely affecting drinking water, air quality, agricultural crops, vegetation and animal life, while posing serious health risks to residents, particularly children.The court asked the advisory bodies to clarify “what measures can be taken” to mitigate the pollution, reflecting concern over the extent of environmental and public health impact highlighted in the plea.The petitioner also urged the court to constitute an independent expert committee comprising pollution control specialists, scientists, environmental experts and researchers to conduct a detailed assessment and recommend corrective steps.Nilesh Kalwaghé assisted in the proceedings as amicus curiae while advocate Ravi Sanyal appeared for the pollution control authorities.The court is expected to examine the responses of the advisory committees at the next hearing scheduled for April 23, which could determine whether further intervention, including the appointment of an expert body, is warranted.
