Shillong, May 12: The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) has ordered closure of a ferro alloy company in West Khasi Hills district for violation of norms.
The action against M/s Shree Shakambari Ferro Alloys Pvt Ltd at Rwiang, Seinduly in the district was taken following an inspection conducted by MSPCB officials in January this year.
The company has been directed to abide by all the norms and conditions laid down in the Renewal of Consent to Operate, submit a detail compliance report to the Board, and close down the unit until further orders, stated MSPCB chairman R Nainamalai in a letter.
“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 the inspection was conducted by the Board officials on January 30 and 31.
During the inspection, the officials found huge fugitive emission from the plant and the pollution control device (PCD) being switched off.
They also detected tampering of the online continuous emission monitoring system (OCEMS).
“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 equipment at night,” Nainamalai said.
Coal and charcoal were found dumped outside the shed and the ground was not fully cemented thereby generating huge dust pollution whenever the wind blows.
It was also observed that the drainage system was not cemented.
The unit also failed to transmit data from its OCEMS since March 28, 2024 till date, he added.
