Paradip, July 24: Cracking the whip on industrial units flouting pollution norms, the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) has ordered shutdown of a carbon manufacturing unit on city outskirts.
Goa Carbon has been served closure notice as it was found that the plant perpetrated both air and water pollution adversely affecting the people living on the periphery of the pollutant unit, an SPCB official said.
The private sector unit was found guilty of contravening the provisions of Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. The company has been asked to close down its operations and furnish a compliance report to the SPCB without delay, said SPCB Paradip regional officer Prasant Kumar Kar.
The errant plant was also found dumping solid waste outside the factory premises at Bhitargada near Paradip Township. Besides, it was found wanting in putting in place the pollution control mechanism by stopping emission of pollutant dust particles in the air. The ambient air quality both in and outside the plant had deteriorated from the prescribed limit. The plant authorities were earlier served show-cause notice and were directed to put the things in order. But they had abysmally failed to initiate the corrective measures. It had been provided ‘reasonable’ opportunity, but the non-compliance of norms persisted, Kar said.
Those residing in plant-side villages had protested as the adverse impact of the pollution triggered by the plant had made their life miserable. The ground water level had also got polluted, while the air has turned smoky with thick layer of coke dust particles. Respiratory disorders and water-borne diseases have been reported.
“We had carried out the environment impact assessment of the plant. The people of the nearby areas registered their complaint against the project,” said Kar.
“The people are not opposed to industrial development, but the industries should prioritise pollution control measures to ensure healthy and safe living conditions for those residing around the factory and plant sites,” said environment activist Sankhanad Behera.
