The Hindu Business Line : Eco violations: Reliance Energy fine cut to Rs 100 cr

RELIANCE Energy will have to pay Rs 100 crore instead of Rs 300 crore as fine for environment violation at its Dahanu unit. The Mumbai High Court reduced REL's fine after the company petitioned against Dahanu Taluka Environmental Protection Authority's order.

The DTEPA had fined REL for not setting up a flu gas desulphurisation (FGD) unit, essential for controlling pollution, at its 500 MW coal-based power generation plant in Dahanu.

REL had petitioned the High Court for a waiver of the Rs 300-crore bank guarantee order of the DTEPA. The court cut the fine after considering a phased plan submitted by REL for setting up the FGD.

The company has been accused of delaying setting up this unit by environment groups and citizens in Dahanu, which is situated on the outskirts of Mumbai. The area is considered an ecologically fragile zone and environment groups have been arguing since 1994 that emissions from the plant affect its agriculture and horticulture.

In May 1999, REL (formerly BSES Ltd) was directed by Dahanu Authority to install a Flue Gas Desulphurisation Plant (FGD Plant used to neutralise sulphur-oxide emissions. The High Court of Mumbai and the Supreme Court upheld this order.

According to the environment activists, REL is also seeking a review of the order through the Ministry of Environment and Forests, which has set up a review committee. Activists of the Dahanu Taluka Environment Welfare Associations claim that setting up a committee to review a matter finally decided by the High Court and Supreme Court amounts to contempt of court.

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