Shillong, May 6: The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) has suspended the “consent to operate” of M/s RNB Carbide & Ferro Alloys Pvt Ltd for 45 days or until its pollution control device (PCD) is completely overhauled and deemed efficient.
The decision follows an inspection by MSPCB officials on April 24 at the company’s Ferro Silicon manufacturing unit located in Umiam Industrial Estate, Ri Bhoi. The inspection revealed heavy emissions from the stack and inconsistencies in the Online Continuous Emission Monitoring System (OCEMS) data transmission. While the PCD was found operational, the unit informed the board that it is currently undergoing an overhaul and requested 45 days to complete the process.
In response, MSPCB Member Secretary Dr. G.H. Chyrmang issued an official directive under Section 33(A) of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and Section 31(A) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, suspending the company’s consent to operate with immediate effect.
“The suspension will remain in force for 45 days or until the PCD has been fully overhauled, tested for operational efficiency, and a compliance report is submitted to the board,” the letter stated.
Dr. Chyrmang warned that failure to adhere to the directive could result in legal action under the applicable provisions of the Water and Air Pollution Control Acts.
It may be noted that the company was first granted its consent to operate on December 16, 2003, with periodic renewals. The most recent consent was granted on May 3, 2024, allowing operations up to March 31, 2026, for a production capacity of 10,950 MTPA.
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