Orissa on Monday served partial closure notice to 26 sponge
iron plants in a bid to reduce “polluting” industries in the state.
These plants have not been complying with the stipulated pollution control
norms, official sources said.
“The 26 sponge iron units are found not enhancing their bag filter
capacity and dust handling system despite several notices. Some of them are
told to scale down production or work under the capacity of their bag
filter,” Forest and Environment Minister Debi Prasad Mishra told the
reporters.
In June last, the Orissa State Pollution Control Boardhas asked six sponge
iron units to shut down for not adhering to environment safety measures as
earlier directed by it. Besides, it had served show-cause notices to 68 sponge
iron units.
“Initially, 68 units were served with show-cause notices. Forty two
responded and enhanced their bag filter. But, 26 others are yet to modify
themselves,” Member Secretary of the Orissa State Pollution Control Board,
Siddhant Das, said.
Most of the plants are operating at their 50% capacity due
to shortage of iron ore, coal and high input prices.
“The Sponge Iron industry has undeniably played a vital
role in industrialization of Orissa. However, this sector faces many tough
challenges. As Sponge grade Iron Ore and Coal is becoming scarce, the Sponge
Iron Plants are using low grade Iron and coal affecting productivity and
quality. Non-Coking Coal lower grade (E & F) which is allocated
to this Industry generates high char and creates solid waste disposal problems
for the units”, said OSIMA chairman, P.L. Mahanty.
Meanwhile, the All Orissa Steel Federation has also appealed the
state government for price capping to save the existing steel units from
closures.
“It is needless
to mention that Government must open supplies from Daitari Mines, Gandhamardan
Mines and all other closed mines to ensure sufficient quantum of ore to the
industries. Adequate supply will release the burden on its selling rates, which
in turn will help in opening all closed sponge units, furnaces and re-rolling
mills”, AOSF president, P L Kandoi said here at a press conference. Mr
Kandoi claimed that 90% of the steel units are already closed and barely 10%
are operating at below 40% capacity.
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