7 firms flout pollution norms, may face action
HOUSE PANEL FINDINGS Violations by steel, power and coal companies have been detected in six districts of state
DHANBAD: At least seven major public and private sector organisations in Jharkhand may face shutdown for violating the Environment (Protection) Act, said assembly sub-committee on environment and pollution control chairman Ashok Kumar on Monday.
The committee visited five districts on Saturday and Sunday. Kumar was accompanied by Lohardagga MLA Sukhdeo Bhagat, Bhavnathpur MLA Bhanu Pratap Sahi and Bokaro MLA Biranchi Narayan.
The list of violators includes Bokaro Steel Limited, Maithon Power Limited and Eastern Coalfield Limited of Coal India (CIL).
The violations by steel, power and coal companies have been detected in six districts of Jharkhand--- Bokaro, Dhanbad, Pakur, Godda, Dumka and Sahibgunj.
The committee found the ash ponds of Bokaro Steel and Maithon Power were leaking and polluting surrounding area. Damodar too bore the brunt of ash leakage from Bokaro Steel.
The committee directed the managements to construct concrete drainage within three months and check release of water from the pond.
The committee flayed Maithon Power for flouting its compensatory afforestation target.
It had to plant saplings on a 490-acre land. However, saplings were planted on two acres.
Maithon Power Limited is a joint venture of Tata Power and DVC which generates 1050 mw electricity per day.
In Pakur, the committee found major environment act violation in Eastern Coalfield Limited mines in the form of overuse of crushers and unauthorized mining in the hills. In Godda, the mining company had not done plantation in the mining area after2006.
“Not only Pakur and Godda even mines management has in Dumka overlooked the act grossly,” said a member of the committee.
Kumar said reports had been sought from deputy commissioners of the districts and the companies. A meeting will be held at Ranchi on July 21 and thereafter action will be recommended to the government.