Power supply to 7 units snapped

Tribune News Service
Solan, August 24

Taking note of the deficiencies in the functioning of effluent treatment plants of seven industrial units in the Baddi industrial area, the officials of the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) have ordered disconnection of power of the erring units.

Board’s Member Secretary Aditya Negi said the orders had been issued under the provisions of the Water and Air Acts. An inspection of these units by the field officials revealed that there were deficiencies in the functioning of the effluent treatment plants of the units, which were causing pollution.

These units include Boss Pharma, Hitech Meta Cast, SMS International Beverages, Surya Enviro, Gorsi Industries, Sunfine Healthcare and Hills Food Agro Beverages. Besides, showcause notices have been issued to two other units — Cosmetic and Navkar Lifesciences — and they have been given three days to address the deficiencies.

Another inspection of these units would be conducted by the regional officer after removal of the deficiencies and if the issues are satisfactorily addressed, only then the power would be restored, Negi stated.

It would be ensured that the action taken report sufficiently covers the aspects pointed out by the officials, he added.

Notably, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had directed the state board officials to take requisite steps to check air and water pollution in this industrial belt within three months and prohibit operations of red and orange category industries which cause maximum pollution. Since Baddi has been ranked 44th in the national comprehensive environmental pollution index rating of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), with a score of 68.26, the board officials have initiated a move to check the operations of all polluting industries.

Show-causenotices issued to 2 units

The units which have faced the action include Boss Pharma, Hitech Meta Cast, SMS International Beverages, Surya Enviro, Gorsi Industries, Sunfine Healthcare and Hills Food Agro Beverages. Besides, showcause notices have been issued to two other units — Cosmetic and Navkar Lifesciences — and they have been given three days to address the deficiencies.