Supreme Court Addresses Ecocide in Vellore Tannery Case

The Supreme Court of India has recently brought into light the severe environmental and social issues arising from the tannery industry in Vellore, Tamil Nadu. The court’s judgment draws attention to the untreated effluents from tanneries polluting the Palar river. This river is crucial for the water supply of 30 towns and 50 villages. The court likened the environmental degradation to an “ecocide”. It emphasised the dire conditions of tannery workers, predominantly women, likening their plight to that of manual scavengers.

Environmental Impact of Tanneries

• Approximately 45% of the country’s tanneries operate in Tamil Nadu.
• The tannery processes generate substantial waste, with about 50% of chemicals used resulting in wastewater or sludge.
• This wastewater contains harmful pollutants such as suspended solids, nitrogen, sulphate, sulphide, chloride, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and chromium.
• The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board reported increased concentrations of these pollutants in the Palar river compared to previous years.

Socioeconomic Consequences

• Local farmers have suffered due to the polluted water affecting agriculture.
• The court noted that the living conditions of tannery workers are deplorable, further exacerbating poverty in the region.
• The leather market, while foreign exchange earner valued at approximately ₹40,000 crore, has not translated into improved livelihoods for those in tannery clusters.

Judicial Interventions

Justice Mahadevan, in the court’s ruling, stressed the need for accountability from both the state and the polluters. The court ordered the state to distribute compensation to over 29,000 affected families, as determined by the Union government-appointed Loss of Ecology Authority. Furthermore, it mandated the formation of an expert committee to assess and establish sustainable environmental practices in Vellore.

Historical Context of Pollution Control

Historically, the tanning industry has operated with minimal pollution control measures. It was only after 1980 that any treatment of tannery wastewater began. The court’s ruling reflects a growing recognition of the need for stringent environmental regulations. The judgment calls for a balance between economic interests and environmental sustainability.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of industrial pollution on local communities and agriculture in India.
2. What are the key pollutants generated by the tanning industry? Explain their effects on human health and the environment.
3. Comment on the role of the judiciary in environmental protection in India. Provide suitable examples.
4. What are the challenges faced in implementing effective pollution control measures in India? Discuss with reference to specific industries.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of industrial pollution on local communities and agriculture in India.

1. Industrial pollution leads to the degradation of natural resources, affecting water quality and availability for local communities.
2. Polluted water sources harm agricultural productivity, resulting in reduced crop yields and economic instability for farmers.
3. Health issues arise from contaminated water, leading to increased healthcare costs and loss of productivity among affected populations.
4. Social inequalities are exacerbated, as marginalized communities often bear the brunt of pollution with limited recourse to justice.
5. Environmental degradation can lead to displacement and loss of livelihoods, further entrenching poverty in affected regions.

2. What are the key pollutants generated by the tanning industry? Explain their effects on human health and the environment.

1. Key pollutants include suspended solids, nitrogen, sulphate, sulphide, chloride, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and chromium.
2. High levels of BOD and COD indicate organic pollution, leading to oxygen depletion in water bodies, harming aquatic life.
3. Chromium exposure is linked to severe health issues, including skin ulcers, respiratory problems, and potential carcinogenic effects.
4. Sulphides can cause foul odors and are toxic to aquatic organisms, disrupting local ecosystems.
5. Long-term exposure to these pollutants can result in chronic health conditions for local communities, particularly affecting vulnerable populations.

3. Comment on the role of the judiciary in environmental protection in India. Provide suitable examples.

1. The judiciary plays important role in enforcing environmental laws and holding polluters accountable, as seen in the Vellore tannery case.
2. Landmark judgments, such as the Vishaka Guidelines and the Ganga River case, showcase the judiciary’s proactive approach to environmental issues.
3. The Supreme Court has established the principle of ‘public trust’, mandating the state to protect natural resources for future generations.
4. Judicial interventions often lead to the formulation of new policies and regulations aimed at enhancing environmental protection.
5. Through public interest litigations (PILs), the judiciary provides a platform for communities to seek redress against environmental injustices.

4. What are the challenges faced in implementing effective pollution control measures in India? Discuss with reference to specific industries.

1. Lack of stringent enforcement of existing regulations often results in industries operating with minimal pollution control measures.
2. Corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies hinder timely action against polluters, allowing violations to persist.
3. Industries, especially in the unorganized sector, may lack the financial resources to invest in necessary pollution control technologies.
4. Public awareness and community engagement in environmental issues remain low, limiting grassroots movements for accountability.
5. Challenges in balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability lead to conflicts of interest among stakeholders, complicating policy implementation.