Glare on Babus After Effluent Plant Mishap

By J Shanmugha Sundaram

Published: 05th February 2015 06:01 AM

Last Updated: 05th February 2015

 VELLORE:Police investigations following the disaster that killed 10 effluent treatment plant workers in Ranipet last Saturday could likely result in the prosecution of government officials, if they are found guilty. The investigation team, led by M Nagarajan, DSP of Ranipet, has issued questionnaires to officials of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation, SIDCO, Directorate of Factories and the local body (Navlok Panchayat) to determine whether each department’s rules were adhered to and if appropriate officials followed industry guidelines laid down by the Central and State governments.

The investigation team inspecting the accident site | express

“We will complete the process within two or three days,” said Superintendent of Police P K Senthil Kumari, speaking to Express. She said that they were waiting for a stability report from the Public Works Department, which is studying a portion of the wall that collapsed, to determine if its quality was compromised.

Sources in the police department said it was a clear case of negligence by the management of Ranipet SIDCO Finished Leather Effluent Treatment Company and a collective failure of other enforcement agencies to ensure that the Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) complied with the guidelines.

The police, following a complaint by VAO Vasanth Kumar, has filed a case against the management of the CETP. 

“After conducting the inquiry and collecting information, including a report from the Inspectorate of Factories, we will take action against those who are responsible for the