An inspection from a CPCB team last month had found that the carbon emission levels from the unit were way above the prescribed norms under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has ordered to shut down Continental Carbon India Limited (CCIL), a leading carbon black manufacturing MNC located along NH-24. The order for shut down is temporary and will be valid till the company gets further permission from the board.
The move comes after a team of officials from the air laboratory department of CPCB had found, during an inspection on October 29, that the carbon emission levels from the unit were way above the prescribed norms under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
The residents of Crossings Republik in Ghaziabad and adjoining areas have for long been demanding the closure of the unit. According to the residents, the soot released from the unit has added tremendously to the air pollution in the area and also adversely affected their health.
In September, CCIL had said that they were following all the norms. In its notice, CPCB said, “The inspection has found that the emissions discharged from boiler stack exceed the prescribed norms. CCIL has been directed to close down the operations with immediate effect till compliance is achieved and permission obtained from CPCB to resume operation.”
Meanwhile, CCIL officials disagreed with the order. “We have our own monitoring unit to check day-to-day emissions. We disagree with CPCB’s report as our findings are completely different. We will approach CPCB to carry out a joint inspection involving an independent organisation, CPCB and our monitoring team,” said AP Abraham, in-charge of CCIL operation.
The residents of the area, however, weren’t too happy with the temporary ban and demanded the authorities to come up with a permanent solution. “The order is a complete eyewash,” said Sanjay Jha, a resident of Crossing Republik.
The factory has become a source of worry for the residents of Crossings Republik in Ghaziabad and Gaur City 2 in Noida Extension.
Last month, over 400 residents had gathered at the gates of CCIL and shouted slogans, staged dharna, demanding immediate closure of the factory. The residents allege that the hazardous emissions from the factory are forcing them to inhale toxic gases.
In December 2017, UPPCB had ordered Continental Carbon to shut down after it was found that the firm was violating the provisions of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, adding to air pollution in the vicinity. However, the firm was reopened in April 2018.
