SPCB issues show cause to fertilizer unit

Odisha Channel Bureau Paradip, July 24: A Paradip-based fertilizer unit has come under pollution cloud with reports of damage being caused to trees on the peripheral areas of plant following air pollution.Taking cognizance of pollution charge, the State Pollution Control Board, Odisha has served show cause on Paradip Phosphates Limited (PPL).“We inspected the green belt on the plant-side areas and localities.Emission of air-borne pollutant particles has considerably damaged the leaves of standing trees.Release of Murate of potash (MOP) particles in the air has debilitated the growth of trees.A direction has been issued to the plant authorities to take corrective measures and furnish compliance report in this regard,” said Regional Officer, SPCB, Prasant Kumar Kar.The PPL authorities have been directed to ensure ambient air quality in and around the plant.If they fail do so, action would be initiated against them under Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, Kar added.“Steps are being taken in a war-footing to stop the dust particles from spreading in the air.The company engineers and environment experts are also investigating the cause leading to the damage of plant-site vegetation,” said PPL General Manager (Personnel and Administration) P.K.Panda, The fertilizer-manufacturing unit had earlier faced charge acidic and gypsum discharge into nearby water-bodies.The effluent discharge had allegedly triggered en-masse death of aquatic species mainly fish last year.