MSPCB shuts down coke factory for violating pollution norms

SHILLONG, April 2: The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) has issued a closure notice to the coke factory unit of M/s Shree Shakambari Ferro Alloys (P) Ltd at Rwiang, Seinduly, in West Khasi Hills district for violating pollution control norms.
The notice, issued on March 28 by MSPCB Chairman R. Nainamalai, directs the factory to comply with all the terms and conditions outlined in the Renewal of Consent to Operate and submit a detailed compliance report to the board. Until then, the unit has been ordered to shut down immediately.
The closure order was enforced under 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.
The MSPCB has also warned that further legal action will be taken against the factory if it fails to comply with the directives.
An inspection conducted by MSPCB officials on January 30 and 31, 2025, revealed multiple violations of pollution norms—it was observed that the Pollution Control Device (PCD) was switched off, resulting in uncontrolled emissions at night. Additionally, heavy fugitive emissions were seen coming from the plant, and the Online Continuous Emission Monitoring System (OCEMS) was either disconnected, tampered with, or malfunctioning. Smoke was also found emitting from the Captive Power Plant (CPP).
During a follow-up inspection on the morning of January 31, officials found that the Pollution Control Device was still switched off. Furthermore, coal and charcoal were stored outside the shed, and the drainage system was not cemented, both contributing to dust pollution.  MSPCB Chairman R. Nainamalai informed that the midnight inspection clearly showed that the unit was operating hazardously at night without pollution control equipment, leading to excessive emissions.
“The midnight inspection indicates that the unit is operating the plant hazardously at night without switching on their Pollution Control Device 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,” the MPSCB chairman said.