Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board took a strong decision on Sunday and forced BAlCO to shut down its 1,200 MW coal-fired power plant with immediate effect in Korba on charges of defying basic pollution norms.
The Board chairman Aman Kumar Singh enforced shut down after the upper layer of power plant’s ash dyke got damaged and its polluted water spilled into nearby Belgiri nala.
The BAlCO power plant has four units of 300 MW each and the company had invested Rs 5,500 crore to make it operational. BAlCO has track record of ignoring pollution issues in Chhattisgarh.
BAlCO has refused to offer any statement to media after an unexpected clampdown by the Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board.
A statement issued by Chhattisgarh Government said that action against BAlCO was taken under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act which was enacted in 1974 to provide for the prevention and control of water pollution, and for the maintaining or restoring of wholesomeness of water in the country.
The statement added the Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board is also reconsidering the NOC issued to BAlCO for increasing the height of ash dyke of its 1,200 MW thermal power plant. Singh has also directed all the thermal power plants and all kinds of industries in State to strictly abide by the environment norms.