The management of Mysore Paper Mills (MPM), a public sector undertaking in Bhadravathi, has decided to file an appeal with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) seeking its permission to operate a fourth boiler.

Harsha Gupta, Managing Director of MPM, told presspersons in Bhadravathi, that if permission was accorded to operate the fourth boiler, the production capacity of the firm could be enhanced.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) had ordered to stop production at MPM from December 15, 2014, because of the firm’s alleged failure to abide by the laws related to pollution control. The CPCB had said that prescribed emission standards for coal-fired boilers were not being complied with by the firm, and had directed that electro-static precipitators (ESP) be installed to address the problem. The installation of a new flow meter at the inlet and outlet points of the effluent treatment plant, providing impervious lining in lagoons for storage of causticising sludge, installation and commissioning of a lime kiln unit, construction of storm-water drainage system at fly ash loading area and installation of adequate dust suppression system, and wind barriers for coal handling area, were the other directions issued by CPCB.

The management of MPM had approached the NGT seeking a stay against the closure order. The NGT had granted permission to begin sugar production from January 3 and on May 5 had sanctioned conditional permission to re-commence production at the paper factory of MPM and continue production till December 15, 2015.

Of the four boilers at MPM, the NGT has sanctioned permission to operate one boiler with capacity to generate 60 tonnes steam that is consistent with the standards prescribed by the CPCB. Since the crushing of sugarcane will commence shortly, the MPM had planned to operate the fourth boiler that has the capacity to generate 90 tonnes steam.

Mr. Gupta said the technical snag in the fourth boiler had been addressed and its ESP was in good condition. The MPM in its appeal would bring this issue to the notice of NGT and seek permission to operate it, he said.

The State government had filed an affidavit that it would provide an amount of Rs. 15.5 crore to MPM to take pollution control measures, of which Rs. 5 crore has been released. The work of installation of new ESPs for three boilers would be completed by six months. The MPM has taken measures to abide by the remaining directions issued by CPCB. All these issues would be brought to the notice of NGT, he added.

 

thehindu.com

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