M/s Star Cement Limited penalized for polluting air and water

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 20, 2024

The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board directed M/s Star Cement Limited to pay an Environmental Compensation of Rs. 1,20,000/- (Rupees One Lakhs Twenty Thousand only) for intentionally violated the Section 21 of the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and Section 25 & 26 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.

It may be mentioned here that M/S Star Cement Limited is one of the cement plants in East Jaintia Hills District and it has its plant in Lumshnong village.

According to the order, the Environmental Compensation is to be paid within a period of 15 (fifteen) days from the date of receipt of the direction in the form of Demand Draft or Banker’s Cheque to be drawn in favor of Member Secretary, Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, Shillong.

The order warned to initiate proceedings against M/s Star Cement Limited as deemed fit under the relevant Acts and Rules in case they fail to comply.

The order was issued after the Board was intimated that M/s Star Cement Limited has violated the Terms and Conditions of the Consent to Operate and the subsequent renewals by directly discharging emissions from its unit from 16th of this month.

The Board viewed with concern as it was observed that Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) of the cement plant were found to be offline.

“M/S Star Cement Limited has intentionally violated the Section 21 of the Air (Prevention &
Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and Section 25 & 26 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Terms and Conditions of the Consent to Operate from the Board,” the Board said.