Shillong, Jul 12: The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) has upheld a complaint filed by the Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) against RNB CEMENT (P) Ltd at Umiam Industrial Estate, Ri-Bhoi, and issued a formal direction citing violations related to air pollution and fugitive emissions.
In an order dated July 8, issued under Section 33(A) of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act 1974 and Section 31(A) of the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act 1981, the board warned of legal proceedings if the company fails to comply.
HITO had formally lodged a complaint before the MSPCB on July 2 regarding alleged violations of environmental norms and pollution control regulations at RNB Cement Umiam.
Following the complaint, the board deputed a team of officials for a detailed inspection of the premises and found that the allegations raised by HITO were substantiated.
According to the MSPCB, the main cause of fugitive emission was the malfunctioning of pulse-jet bag filters at conveyor belt transfer points 4 and 5 at the cement mill station.
The plant head informed officials that the malfunction occurred on June 29 and that the station was shut down immediately for rectification.
The plant received ‘Consent to Operate’ in 2012 with the conditions that no air, water and soil pollution shall be created beyond prescribed permissible limits. It also stated that appropriate preventive measures should be adopted to reduce fugitive emissions and control suspended particulate matter in ambient air.
The MSPCB directed the company to submit an action taken report to the board within 7 days, failing which “action shall be taken ex parte.”
HITO welcomed the prompt response and professional action taken by the MSPCB in addressing the matter.
