Precautionary environment measures should be taken by the state Govt. & Statutory authorities wherever there are serious threats to ecology. An industry even though it generates foreign exchange provides wide employment avenues, has no right to destroy ecology, degrade environment or pose as a health hazard. If it does so, the industry has an absolute liability for harm to the environment which extends to compensation to the victims of its actions & also the cost of restoring environmental degrading. Its liability is based on the principle of
Explanation:
The scenario described, where an industry is held liable for the harm to the environment, including compensation to victims and the cost of restoring environmental degradation, is a direct application of the "Polluter Pays Principle." This principle, recognized in Indian environmental law (e.g., in Vellore Citizens' Welfare Forum v. Union of India), holds that the costs of pollution prevention and control measures should be borne by those who cause the pollution.