Judgment

SABYASACHI MUKHARJI, C.J.I. :- A letter written to this Court was treated as a writ petition under Art. 32 of the Constitution of India. The letter written by Chhetriya Pardushan Muleti Sangharsh Samiti, Sarnath, alleged environmental pollution in the area. It was also alleged therein that the Jhunjhunwala Oil Mills and refinery plant are located in the green belt area, touching three villages and the Sarnath temple of international fame. The smoke and dust emitted from the chimeys of the mills and the effluents discharged from these plants were alleged to he causing environmental pollution in the thickly populated area and were proving a great health hazard. It was further stated that the people were finding it difficult to eat and sleep due to smoke and foul smell and the highly polluted water. It was further alleged that the lands in the area had become waste, affecting crops and the orchards damaged. Diseases like TB, Jaundice and other ailments were stated to be spreading in an epidemic form. The growth of children was affected. It Was further alleged that the schools, nursing homes, leprosy homes and hospitals situated on the one kilometre long belt touching the oil m