NGT Initiates Suo Motu Proceedings Following Gas Leak Incident at Jaipur Coaching Center
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New Delhi, Dec 27 (NationPress) The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has initiated suo motu proceedings concerning an incident where numerous students from a coaching institute in Jaipur, Rajasthan collapsed last week due to a suspected gas leak from an adjacent drain.
The event, which transpired on the evening of December 15, caused widespread panic among students who reported experiencing intense headaches and breathing difficulties. At least ten students from Utkarsh Coaching in Mahesh Nagar, Rajasthan, fainted during their classes and were promptly taken to the hospital for medical attention.
In its directive, a bench led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava stated that the situation raised significant concerns regarding adherence to the provisions of the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Moreover, the bench, which includes expert member Dr. A. Senthil Vel, observed that no compensation has been disbursed to the affected individuals of the alleged gas leak.
By taking suo motu cognizance, the green tribunal has dispatched notices to the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB), Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Regional Officer from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), and the District Magistrate (DM) of Jaipur.
“Let notice be served to the respondents (authorities) to submit their response/reply through an affidavit to the concerned Bench of the Tribunal at least one week prior to the next hearing date,” it directed.
The NGT clarified that if any authority files the response directly without going through their advocate, they will be virtually present to assist the tribunal. Since this matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Central Zonal Bench, the NGT has ordered the transfer of the original application to the Bhopal Bench for further proceedings.
The issue is scheduled to be heard again on April 10 at the Central Zonal Bench in Bhopal.
In the meantime, the Greater Municipal Corporation led by the Mansarovar Zone Deputy Commissioner has sealed the premises of the coaching institute, which will remain shut until the investigation is concluded.
According to law enforcement, initial investigations indicate that the gas leak may have originated from a drain near the institute. Additionally, smoke from the kitchen located on the building's terrace is also being scrutinized as a potential contributing factor.
This situation has prompted protests outside the coaching center, with local residents and parents demanding transparency and more stringent safety measures. They voiced their concerns against such lapses, which are deemed intolerable, particularly in educational environments designed to ensure the safety of children.
