HYDERABAD: Telangana Pollution Control Board issued closure orders for eight Tyre Pyrolysis Oil industries in Sangareddy. The orders were issued following investigation that found carbon dust not only affecting residential localities but also crops with the dust forming layers.
Sangareddy environment engineer, Bhadra Girish, told TOI,"We have received complaints from locals and farmers in Kondapur, Mallepally and Edurugudem. Farmers alleged that carbon dust is damaging crops. Locals also complained about air pollution. During recent rains, waste from the plants were also released in nearby places. Due to this we have closed the units."
According to PCB officials, firms have been identified as Infinity Industries, Akash Industries, Sri Haritha Industries, RSH Industries, Sri Venkateswara Industries, Noble Energy, KR Energies and Nutan Green Industries. The closure orders will be in force till revocation by the PCB. The PCB will inspect and give consent for re-opening. The closure orders were issued based on section 33 of Water Act and Section 31 of Air Pollution Act.
"They collect used tyres and extract oil. The same is used as fuel," said Badra Girish. India generates approximately one million tonne of waste tyres every year.
According to ministry of forest and environment guidelines regarding production of tyre pyrolysis oil from tyres, proper sealing should be ensured to control emissions from reactors. Oil must be collected in a closed vessel and stored in closed tanks with suitable vents. There must not be any manual handling. Guidelines say removal of carbon should be through a mechanised system to no spillage. Wastewater generated must be treated in an effluent treatment plant.
