Ferro Alloy Unit in West Khasi Hills shut down for violating environmental norms

Shillong, May 12: The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) has directed closure of M/s Shree Shakambari Ferro Alloys Pvt Ltd, Rwiang, Seinduly in West Khasi Hills district for violation of the norms.

The decision was taken based on the findings of the inspection conducted by the Board’s officials in January earlier this year.

In a letter issued recently, chairman of MSPCB R Nainamalai said, “Now, therefore, in exercise of the power conferred upon by section 33(A) of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and Section 31 (A) of the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act 1981, M/s Shree Shakambari Ferro Alloys Pvt Ltd is hereby directed to comply with all the norms and conditions laid down in the Renewal of Consent to Operate and to submit a detail compliance report to the Board and also to close down the unit forthwith until further orders.”

“Failure to comply with the direction, further legal action will be taken by the board against the Unit as empowered under the relevant provision of the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act 1981 and Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974,” he warned.

The letter said that the inspection was conducted by the board officials on January 30 and 31.

It was observed by the officials that prior to entering the factory, it was observed from the road there is huge fugitive emission from the plant. Part of the smoke coming out from the plant is being generated from the cooling tower which is water vapour but much of the smoke is coming from the plant itself indicating there is an uncontrolled emission generated from the plant.

On entering the plant at 11.32 pm on (January 30), it was observed that the pollution control device (PCD) is actually switched off thereby uncontrolled fugitive emission is generating from the plant. No sound is being emitted from the PCD indicating that the it was switched off.

It was also observed that there is smoke emitting from the captive power plant (CPP), however on checking the online continuous emission monitoring system (OCEMS) it was observed that the OCEMS was not connected to the stack or the OCEMS has been tampered or has malfunction. On switching on the PCD the amount of emission from the stack reduced drastically.

“The midnight inspection indicates that the Unit is operating the plant hazardously at night without switching on their PCD and a lot/huge fugitive emission is being emitted from the unit also indicate that the lack of manpower to handle the pollution control equipments at night,” Nainamalai said.

He informed that in the morning of January 31, 2025 an inspection was again carried out at 11.41 am, on reaching the plant, the PDC were first inspected and it was found to be still switch off.

Further, it was observed that few coal and charcoal were store outside the shed.

The ground was not fully cemented thereby generating huge dust pollution whenever the wind blows.

It was also observed that the drainage system is not cemented.

The unit has also failed to transmit data from its OCEMS since March 28, 2024 till date, he added.

Also Read: Meghalaya Mahila Congress demands stricter control over access to online porn

Watch

Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.

PM Modi hails ‘Operation Sindoor’ as triumph of Nari Shakti, sends stern warning to Pakistan

Govt seeks land for permanent Shillong campus of Capt. Williamson Sangma University