PANJIM: Nearly 1500 sugar cane farmers heaved a sigh in relief after the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on Tuesday revoked the closer order issued to M/s Sanjivani Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana Ltd while allowing the industry to resume its crushing operation for the season 2018-19.
CPCB had issued closure directions to the unit via order dated June 1, 2017 under section 5 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986 on the account of non-installation of Online Continuous Effluent Monitoring Station (OCEMS) for effluent and stack emission. Later Board, via an letter dated October 12, 2018 has directed Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) to ensure compliance and closure directions.
GSPCB had urged CPCB to permit operation of Sanjivani sugar factor for the season, as it helps several local farmers engaged in sugarcane agriculture.
The Unit responded to the closer direction via a email dated December 10 and informed to have complied with the directions regarding installation and commissioning of OCEMS and the same was verified by the Board.
As such, CPCB in an order issued on December 11, has allowed sugar factory to resume its manufacturing operations while directing to obtain valid consent to operate under the Water and Air act, authorization under Hazardous and other Waste Management Rules from GSPCB.
“Industry shall not operate under any circumstances without valid consent order,” the order stated.
It has also asked to ensure that Online Continuous Monitoring Station for effluent and stack emission is installed properly and that the data is continuously monitored and transferred to CPCB.
The Board has clarified that the failure of the unit to comply with the directions will force them to take appropriate action under the Environment (protection) Act 1986.
