Environment – NGT Launches Action After Fatal Ammonia Leak and Forest Violations
Environment – The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has initiated legal proceedings after a fatal ammonia gas leak at a seafood processing facility in Tamil Nadu, while also taking up separate environmental concerns involving illegal tree felling in Kerala and waste management in Puducherry.
The Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal has taken suo motu cognisance of the industrial accident that claimed the lives of two workers and left several others injured following an ammonia gas leak at a seafood processing plant in Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu. The tribunal has begun examining whether the incident involved violations of environmental and industrial safety laws and has directed multiple government agencies to respond.
Notices Issued to Key Authorities
To investigate the matter, the tribunal has served notices to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), the Regional Office of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in Chennai, and the District Magistrate of Tiruvallur. These authorities have been asked to submit their responses before the next stage of the proceedings.
The matter was considered by a bench headed by Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson of the NGT, along with Expert Member Dr. Afroz Ahmad. The tribunal has fixed the next hearing for August 31 and instructed the respondents to submit their replies before the Southern Zonal Bench in Chennai at least one week ahead of the scheduled date.
Details of the Industrial Accident
The incident occurred on June 21, 2026, at a shrimp processing unit operated by M/s Peter & Paul Seafood Exports Pvt. Ltd. in Kannagiper village near Periyapalayam in Tiruvallur district. According to available information, an ammonia gas leak spread through the premises, resulting in the deaths of two migrant workers from Odisha.
The accident also affected many other workers at the facility. More than 60 people required hospital treatment, while 23 individuals were admitted to intensive care units due to the seriousness of their condition. Reports indicate that around 67 people were present inside the factory when the leak took place. Most of them were migrant women workers who were living in accommodation provided within the factory campus.
Safety Compliance Under Examination
During the initial review, the tribunal noted reports suggesting possible lapses in industrial safety practices and compliance measures. Preliminary findings have pointed to alleged failures in following mandatory safety standards at the facility.
The NGT observed that the incident may involve violations of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The tribunal will also examine whether the factory complied with environmental regulations and workplace safety requirements intended to protect employees and surrounding communities.
Separate Action Over Illegal Tree Felling
Apart from the Tamil Nadu case, the same bench has also taken suo motu cognisance of the reported illegal felling and sale of nearly 200 teak trees in Kerala’s Chalakudy Forest Division. The tribunal has sought explanations from the Kerala Forest Department, the Integrated Regional Office of the MoEF&CC in Bengaluru, and the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of the Kerala government.
The proceedings will focus on the circumstances surrounding the unauthorised cutting of the trees and whether environmental laws were violated.
Directions for Better Waste Management in Puducherry
In another environmental matter, the National Green Tribunal has issued a series of directions aimed at improving solid waste disposal and sewage management in the Union Territory of Puducherry. The tribunal has emphasised the need for authorities to implement the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, and strengthen environmental infrastructure to ensure compliance with existing regulations.