Kochi: The Pollution Control Board (PCB) has decided to issue closure notice to SreeSakthi Paper Mills. The decision was taken after a joint inspection by PCB officials and people's committee on Monday. Serious violations were found during the inspection despite directions issued by PCB.
As many as 13 fish kills have been reported from Periyar near Pathalam this year. "All major fish kills have been reported near SreeSakthi Paper Mills. The PCB has confirmed that the company discharges toxic effluents into the river without any treatment," said SijiBabu, chairperson, Eloor municipality.
Though closure notices were issued to the company many times, all of them were withdrawn in less than 24 hours. "Frequent incidents of fish kill have resulted in local protests. Residents and environmentalists had laid siege to the office of PCB assistant executive engineer," said Siji.
After allegations of illegal nexus between the company and PCB, the pollution board was forced to constitute a people's committee to monitor the problem. Officials from Eloor municipality, representatives from environmental organizations and some PCB officials were part of the committee.
On March 9, the PCB had issued a time-bound directive to the company after a joint inspection was carried out by the officials of PCB and people's committee. A week's time was given to implement the recommendations.
The company was directed to remove the pipes that carried effluents to the river, install online meters, setup a water meter to read the water intake and ensure safety mechanisms of the company. They were also asked to remove the plastic waste dumped near the factory premise and produce documents related to the disposal of waste.
After another inspection was carried out by the PCB and people's committee on Monday, it was found that a majority of the directives were not met by the company. "They have not removed waste or installed online meters. They have not put in place required safety mechanisms. Though, we had directed them to stop discharging any kind of effluents into the river, the water samples still have the presence of toxic substances," said PCB chairman Sajeev Kumar.
"We have decided to issue the closure notice on Tuesday. The notice will prevail until the people's committee and PCB are satisfied with the company's operations," Kumar said.
