Massive Fine Imposed
Sambalpur: The Odisha State Pollution Control Board has fined Shyam Metalics and Energy in Sambalpur Rs. 199.98 crore for illegally dumping fly ash. Additionally, the company has been directed to submit an action plan to remove the dumped ash.
Warning Issued
The Board clearly stated in its letter that if the company fails to respond satisfactorily to the show-cause notice within the given time, no further opportunity will be given, and strict action will follow.
Dumping Near Hirakud Reservoir
Investigations revealed that Shyam Metalics dumped a massive amount of fly ash near Jharmunda village in Babuchakuli area of Rengali Block, close to the Hirakud reservoir. The ash heap resembled a small hill, with a total volume of approximately 19.99 lakh metric tonnes. A joint inspection by the Pollution Control Board, Revenue Department, and Forest Department on June 6, 2023, ordered the immediate halt of dumping activities.
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Fly Ash Became Unusable
Due to the illegal dumping, the fly ash could no longer be used for any productive purpose. Following a high-level meeting of the Pollution Control Board on March 18, 2025, the Rs. 199 crore fine was officially imposed on Shyam Metalics.
Other Industries Under Investigation
During the same meeting, officials also discussed pollution violations by several other factories:
- Hindalco (Hirakud): Fined Rs. 1.19 crore for illegal dumping.
- IB Thermal Power Station (OPGC, Jharsuguda): Fined Rs. 13.35 lakh.
- Bhushan Steel and Power (Thelkuli, Sambalpur): Fined Rs. 63.82 crore.
- GM Iron Steel Ltd (Kulei, Dhenkanal): Under review.
- MKCG Medical College (Brahmapur): Accused of violating biomedical waste rules.
The Pollution Control Board has made it clear that such environmental violations will not be tolerated. If the companies fail to comply with orders and submit action plans, further legal and financial consequences may follow.