SHILLONG, JUN 30: Calling recent social media videos “misleading,” Umiam Distillation Private Limited (UDPL) on Tuesday said the emission from its grain-based ethanol plant at EPIP Industrial Area was water vapour from the drying process, not smoke.
“We would like to clarify the equipment, technology and processes followed at our plant,” the company said in a press note dated June 30, 2026, after “videos and articles circulating on social media regarding the operations” of the facility.
UDPL maintained that it operates under strict regulatory oversight.
“Our operations are conducted in accordance with the technical standards and environmental compliance measures prescribed by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and other competent authorities,” the note said. It listed its pollution-control systems, stating, “The plant is equipped with modern pollution control infrastructure, including Electrostatic Precipitators (ESP) and a Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) system, ensuring environmentally responsible operations.”
The company underscored its role in the Centre’s energy roadmap. “Our ethanol plant is an integral part of the Government of India’s Ethanol Blending Programme, a strategic national initiative aimed at strengthening India’s energy security,” UDPL said.
“The ethanol produced at our plant contributes significantly towards meeting Meghalaya’s ethanol blending requirements and supports the State’s energy security,” it added.
Pointing to external pressures, the firm said, “Ensuring uninterrupted domestic ethanol production is therefore vital not only for Meghalaya’s fuel requirements but also for advancing India’s long-term energy independence and clean energy objectives,” especially as “global geopolitical uncertainties (like US and Iran war) continue to impact international energy markets and fuel security.”
Disputes visuals, alleges selective focusUDPL said the viral content mischaracterized its emissions. “The visible emission shown in the circulating video is steam (water vapour) generated during the drying process and not smoke. Steam is a normal part of the ethanol manufacturing process and is environmentally safe,” the company stated.
It pointed out that “the videos and photographs do not capture the plant’s regulated boiler stack (chimney), which is the actual emission source monitored by the regulatory authorities.”
“Had the chimney stack been shown, it would have demonstrated the effective functioning of our pollution control systems, with no visible smoke emissions,” UDPL said.
The firm contended that the footage presented an incomplete picture of the industrial area. “There are several other distilleries, breweries, cement plants, ferro-alloy industries, wood-based industries and other manufacturing units operating within the same industrial estate. However, these have not been shown, resulting in a selective presentation,” it said.
It also objected to reportage, noting that “certain articles have used photographs of other industrial units while referring to UDPL,” which it termed “factually inaccurate” and damaging to its reputation.
Arguing that compliance must be uniform, UDPL said, “We believe that environmental issues arise only when industrial units fail to comply with the applicable environmental laws and regulatory standards.”
“Therefore, we respectfully invite all concerned regulatory agencies to inspect not only our facility but also every other industrial unit operating in the Byrnihat Industrial Estate,” the company said.
“If any facility is found to be violating environmental laws or statutory norms, appropriate action should be taken strictly in accordance with the law.” It urged MSPCB to act saying, “We respectfully urge the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board to constitute an independent technical committee to undertake a comprehensive scientific assessment of the entire Byrnihat Industrial Estate.”
The assessment, UDPL said, should include “emissions from all industrial units, vehicular traffic, construction activities and other contributing pollution sources based on scientific monitoring and source apportionment studies.”
“UDPL remains fully committed to transparency, regulatory compliance and environmentally responsible operations,” the press note concluded.
“We welcome any fair, impartial and scientific inspection by the competent authorities and assure our complete cooperation.”
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