Shillong: The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) has suspended the ‘consent to operate’ of RNB Carbide & Ferro Alloys Pvt Ltd for 45 days over violation of pollution control norms.
According to the Board, the suspension will be lifted only after a complete overhaul of its pollution control device (PCD) and verification of its operational efficiency.
The decision follows an inspection by MSPCB officials at the company’s Ferro Silicon manufacturing unit on April 24.
The plant, located in the Umiam Industrial Estate in Ri Bhoi district, produces ferro silicon with an annual capacity of 10,950 metric tonnes.
During the inspection, the Board observed heavy emissions from the facility’s stack and detected irregularities in data transmission from its Online Continuous Emission Monitoring System (OCEMS).
While the PCD was found operational, the unit informed the MSPCB that it is currently undergoing an overhaul and requested 45 days to complete the process.
In response, MSPCB Member Secretary Dr. G.H. Chyrmang issued an official directive under Section 33(A) of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and Section 31(A) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, suspending the company’s consent to operate with immediate effect.
“The suspension will remain in force for 45 days or until the PCD has been fully overhauled, tested for operational efficiency, and a compliance report is submitted to the board,” the Board stated.
Chyrmang warned that failure to follow the board’s order could result in legal action as per the relevant sections of the Water and Air Pollution Control Acts.
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The company was first granted its consent to operate on December 16, 2003, with periodic renewals.
The recent consent was granted on May 3, 2024, allowing operations up to March 31, 2026.
