Two coal washeries face closure

JHARSUGUDA: The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) slapped closure notices on two pollution intensive coal washeries on Wednesday. OSPCB’s Regional Officer (RO) MS Majhi said several complaints of intolerable pollution were received against the Earth Minerals and Co Ltd at Bandhbahal and the Bhatia International Ltd at Chhualiberna.Sources said the Bandhbahal-based coal washery was located close to the residential colony of the MCL and the locals were up in arms against Earth Minerals which was blatantly violating norms.Similarly, the Bhatia International was accused of air and dust pollution in at least five village clusters, including Chhualiberna and Sanjog.