Seeds Intimate Apparel unit located in Special Economic Zone, Atchuthapuram, in Anakapalle district will pay a compensation of Rs.10 crore to the victims of gas leak. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the apparel manufacturer to do so.
There were two incidents of gas leaks at the unit, on 3rd June 2022 and on 2nd August 2022 and 539 workers were affected in total.
Media reports say that as per the Andhra Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (APSPCB), gas leaked at Seeds Intimate Apparel India Pvt Ltd.
The Tribunal order holds that 539 workers were identified in the report as having been admitted to the hospital after gas leak and they are entitled to a compensation of Rs.1 lakh each.
The order stipulates that the amount shall be deposited with the APSPCB within two months, failing which coercive measures, including closure of the unit, may be initiated by the APSPCB. Out of Rs.10 crore compensation, Rs.5 crore may be remitted by the APSPCB to the AP State Legal Services Authority for disbursal of compensation to the victims, preferably within three months.
The NGT has also asked the AP State Legal Services Authority to prepare an action plan for identification and payment to the victims.
It is being also said that if there is any deficit, the state PCB may make up for the same and if it is surplus, the authority may return the same to the state PCB for restoration measures.
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