The State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) sealed the Visa Steel Plant at the Kalinganagar industrial hub in Jajpur district on Monday on the charge of violation of pollution norms.
“We sealed the steel plant as it didn’t comply with pollution norms under the provisions of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 despite. We had earlier issued a notice twice to the plant authorities to build a Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) at an appropriate place. But it was not adhered to by the plant,” said SPCB Regional Officer Dr Anup Mallick.
The plant which employed around 1,500 people was sealed in the presence of the Sukinda tehsildar and other officials.
locals had also been demanding closure of the plant by way of demonstrations as emissions released by the plant were creating health hazards.
When contacted, district Collector Ranjan Das said, “The SPCB closed the Visa Steel as it trampled all environmental norms. We have already issued notices to all the 12 steel and other plants execute environment laws.”