Bhusan Steel fined for flouting pollution norms

ANGUL: Cracking the whip, the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) has imposed a fine of Rs  54,000 on Bhusan Steel Limited in Dhenkanal district for dumping its slurry in an open ground near a village.Official sources said during an earlier inspection at the plant, it was found that ash generated from two power plants was being dumped near a village illegally. Bhusan has two power plants of 110 MW and 300 MW capacity.  On submission of the report, the OSPCB decided to fine the erring industry. The industry reportedly does not have an ash pond to discharge the waste. Locals had earlier accused the industry on the Angul-Dhenkanal border of violating pollution control norms. While they felt choked by the air pollution, discharge from the industry affected agricultural fields and Kisinda rivulet which merges into the river Brahmani. Taking note, the OSPCB had closed its power plants along with some kilns, some months back.