The European Court of Human Rights issued a significant ruling on Thursday, finding that Italy had violated the right to life of residents living in a toxic-waste polluted area around Naples. The court has ordered the Italian government to develop a comprehensive strategy to address and monitor the contamination and resulting health issues in the affected region.
The ruling confirmed that the area, known as the Tierra dei Fuoci or Land of Fires, with a population of 2.9 million people, has been experiencing increased rates of cancer and groundwater pollution. The pollution problem has been attributed to mafia clans, specifically the Camorra, who control waste disposal activities in the region.
Italian authorities have been aware of the pollution issue since 1988 but failed to take adequate measures to protect the lives of residents. The toxic waste dumping has led to adverse health effects among the population, with reports of contaminated underground wells used for irrigation purposes.
Police have identified high levels of lead, arsenic, and industrial solvents in the irrigation wells, prompting the seizure of numerous fields. The contamination is linked to the Camorra's illegal disposal of toxic waste, often originating from industries in northern Italy.
The Camorra's illicit waste disposal activities have created a multibillion-dollar racket, with businesses in the north turning a blind eye to the destination of their waste as long as it is removed at a low cost. Former members of the Camorra have provided insights into the illegal waste dumping sites, aiding law enforcement in uncovering the extent of the contamination.
The case was brought to the European Court of Human Rights by 41 individuals residing in Caserta or Naples provinces, along with five local organizations. The court's ruling underscores the need for urgent action to address the environmental and health crisis in the affected region.
