NGT Directs Fire Safety Audit in Tamil Nadu

Summary of National Green Tribunal Directives on Fire Safety in Tamil Nadu

1. Judicial Authority:

   • The directives were issued by the Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), comprising Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and expert member Prashant Gargava.

2. Context:

   • The case was initiated suo motu following a news report regarding a major fire incident on May 19, 2024, at Re-Sustainable IWM Solutions Limited in Gummidipoondi, which released toxic fumes affecting nearby villages.

3. Fire Incident Details:

   • The fire occurred in a temporary scrap yard storing:
     • Discarded High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) liners.
     • Fibre-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) materials.
     • Other polymeric waste intended for co-processing in cement industries.
   • The fire did not originate from hazardous waste landfills or incinerators, and no improper storage of hazardous waste was found.

4. NGT Directives:

   • Fire Safety Audit:
     • The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) is to conduct a comprehensive fire safety audit of all industrial waste facilities in coordination with the Fire and Rescue Services Department.
   • Implementation of Recommendations:
     • The operator of the facility must implement all recommendations from an independent fire safety audit within three months.
   • Storage Regulations:
     • Storage of combustible polymeric waste (approximately 60 metric tonnes) must be managed with:
       • Limiting storage quantities.
       • Maintaining material segregation.
       • Continuous surveillance and adequate firefighting infrastructure.
   • Regular Transport:
     • The company is directed to transport combustible polymeric waste regularly to authorized facilities to avoid accumulation beyond operational needs.

5. Compliance Enforcement:

   • The Fire and Rescue Services Department is tasked with verifying compliance with storage and firefighting measures.
   • The TNPCB is instructed to initiate proceedings for any non-compliance with the Tribunal's directives or consent conditions.

6. Concerns Raised:

   • The Tribunal expressed concern over the recurrence of similar fire incidents in Chennai, indicating deficiencies in risk assessment and storage practices.

7. Legal Framework:

   • While specific constitutional articles were not cited, the NGT operates under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, which aims to provide a forum for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection.

8. Environmental Impact:

   • The Tribunal's directives highlight the importance of safeguarding public health and the environment from hazardous waste management issues, particularly in industrial areas.

This summary encapsulates the essential facts, figures, and legal directives pertinent to the fire safety audit and management of hazardous waste in Tamil Nadu, reflecting the NGT's proactive approach to environmental protection.