Virender Singh, C.J. - (1.) The Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the news item published in 'Hindustan Times' dated 23rd February, 2014, Ranchi edition relating to the devastating effect of radiation emanating from the mining of uranium on environment and population in village Jadugora, District East Singhbhum, in the State of Jharkhand. The radioactive waste coming out of three Uranium Corporation of India Limited (for short UCIL) owned Uranium mines has put about 50,000 people in Jharkhand at risk. The people, mostly belonging to tribal community appears to be suffering from serious radiation related health problems such as, Congenital Deformities, Cancer, Primary Sterility, Life Expectancy, Abortion, Tuberculosis, Lungs Diseases, Kidney Malfunction, Disorder and Problems of Bone Marrow, Gonads, Gastro Intestinal Mucosa, Lenses of the Eyes, Lungs, Central Nervous System, Leukemia, Skin and Thyroid, in these affected areas.
(2.) It appears that vide order dated 28th February, 2014, notices were ordered to be issued to the ten different authorities mentioned in the cause title of the said order and particularly respondent Nos. 2 and 3 were directed to file their response informing the Court about the safety measures and standards adopted in respect of the workmen working in the uranium mining operation. The said respondents were also directed to file their response regarding the measures taken to prevent the effect of nuclear radiation emanating out of the mining operation, transportation and disposal of the radioactive waste on the health of the people and the environment of the surrounding area. Various other directions were also given vide initial order dated 28th February, 2014. On the next date i.e. 14th March, 2014, direction was issued upon the respondent Nos. 1 to 3 to ensure that the safety measures indicated in the judgment of the Hon'ble Supreme Court, reported in, (2013) 1 SCC 620 are strictly implemented in the mining of uranium in the village Jadugoda and surrounding areas. Lastly this matter was taken up on 7th August, 2014 and following directions were given: In the light of the order dated 28th February, 2014, a team constituted by the second respondent along with experts, including some doctors, made an inspection of Jadugoda Uranium Mines and also the surrounding areas and filed a detailed report. The team shall examine whether any unprocessed and processed radio -active materials are left in the pits and around and whether the area is guarded with gate or boundary wall. The team shall also examine the habitation around the tailing ponds and whether sufficient precautions are taken to prevent local resident from going near the tailing ponds. The team shall also to examine the present radiation level and also the effect of radio -activity and Gama rays and other chemicals arising out of the mining operations on health of the residents in and around the area and environment. The 2nd respondent shall also examine as of date regarding the measures taken by the Uranium Corporation of India at Jadugoda to bring down the effect of nuclear radiation emanating out of the mining operation, transportation and disposal of the radioactive waste and also the safety measures taken in the tailing pond where the nuclear waste are restored. The 2nd respondent shall also examine the amount of radium related heavy metals and other chemicals to go to local environment like soil, water etc. around the place of mining and whether it has affected the environment and also the health of residents in and around the area. The 2nd respondent is at liberty to take assistance of any expert as they deem fit.
(3.) The matter was adjourned to be listed after three months but thereafter this case was not listed for its further hearing.;