A writ petition was filed to protect the health of thousands of innocent people living in Cuttack and adjacent areas who were suffering from pollution from sewage being caused by the Municipal Committee Cuttack and the SCB Medical College Hospital, Cuttack.
The main contention of the petitioner was that the dumping of untreated waste water of the hospital and some other parts of the city in the Taladanda canal was creating health problems in the city. The State, on the other hand contended that a central sewerage system had been installed in the hospital and that there is no sewage flow into the taladanda canal as alleged. Further, it was asserted that the State had not received any information relating to either pollution or of epidemic of water borne diseases caused by contamination of the canal. Also, the health department shrugged off the responsibility for supply of drinking water and passed the buck to the Municipality which refuted the contentions of carelessness and callousness.
The Court reprimanded the authorities and directed the government to immediately act on the matter. Also, the court recommended setting up of a committee to take steps to prevent and control water pollution and to maintain wholesomeness of water meant for human consumption amongst other things. A responsible Municipal Council is constituted for the precise purpose of preserving public health. Provision of proper drainage system in working conditions cannot be avoided by pleading financial inability.
