Sambalpur: Pollution Control Board Takes Strict Action; Two Furnaces of Viraj Steel Factory Sealed in Sambalpur

Furnaces Shut Down Due to Pollution Violations

Sambalpur: The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) has sealed two induction furnaces (No. 3 and No. 4) at Viraj Steel Plant in Gurupali, Sambalpur. A regional board team inspected the plant on January 7 and found that it was violating pollution control regulations. Following this, the board’s state branch issued an order on February 7 to shut down these furnaces. However, the company failed to comply.

Administration Enforces Shutdown Order

Since the company did not voluntarily shut down the furnaces, the Sadar Sub-Collector received orders on February 14 to enforce the closure. Finally, on March 1, a team led by Sub-Collector Pushpanjali Panda, along with officials from various departments, sealed the furnaces.

Public Complaints and Safety Concerns

The Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Development Committee had earlier raised concerns about pollution from the plant. Additionally, heavy vehicles transporting materials to and from the plant were causing frequent accidents on State Highway 10. Local residents also complained that dust emissions from the plant were making their lives difficult.

Repeated Inspections in 2024

Due to ongoing complaints, OSPCB officials conducted multiple inspections at the plant in 2024. Based on their findings, they decided to take strict action against the company.