| File Note: |
It is submitted that the industry was granted a personal hearing before the Worthy Chairperson of the Board on 06.03.2026 regarding refusal of Consent to Operate (CTO) under the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. During the hearing, the following decisions were taken:
1. The industry shall submit documentary proof regarding the electricity generation capacity of the turbine installed, along with a confirmation certificate from Punjab State Power Corporation Limited stating that the total electricity generation does not exceed 14.5 MW, within 30 days.
2. The Regional Office, Sri Muktsar Sahib shall examine the documents submitted by the industry and process the application for renewal of CTO on merits, in accordance with the provisions of the relevant Acts and Rules.
3. The industry shall ensure that no black smoke emissions occur from the stack under any circumstances and that all Air Pollution Control Devices are properly operated and maintained at all times.
4. The industry shall ensure that CCTV cameras installed in the plant premises remain fully operational and are continuously connected with the Board’s server.
Subsequently, the Regional Office has reported that the industry has submitted its reply in compliance with the above directions, which has been examined and the point-wise status is as under:
1. The industry has submitted documentary evidence from Siemens India Limited (OEM) and Punjab State Power Corporation Limited confirming that the electricity generation capacity of the plant is within the sanctioned limit of 14.5 MW.
2. No black smoke emissions have been observed from the stack, as verified through CCTV monitoring on multiple occasions.
3. The CCTV cameras installed within the plant premises have been found continuously connected to the Board’s server.
The RO has further recommended to grant the CTO under the Air Act,1981 upto 31.12.2028, subject to the following special conditions: 1. The industry shall maintain a daily record of lifting and disposal of fuel ash from its premises. 2. The industry shall maintain a daily record of fresh water intake (canal water), boiler blowdown, DM plant rejection, and de-ashing conveyor belt reject. Further ,the sampling of stack emission will be carried out as per policyof board
As such , It is submitted that the industry has furnished the following compliance submissions:
1. The unit has confirmed that the plant is operating strictly within the sanctioned electricity generation capacity. In support, the industry has submitted the Power Rating document of the installed turbine issued by Siemens India Limited and a confirmation certificate issued by Punjab State Power Corporation Limited. The certificate certifies that the total electricity generation of the plant does not exceed the approved capacity of 14.5 MW and is in compliance with applicable regulatory provisions. Further, Punjab State Power Corporation Limited has also confirmed that the unit is operating under a Power Purchase Agreement for export of sanctioned power of 14.50 MW for the agreed capacity.
2. The industry has confirmed that no black smoke emissions are being released from the stack under any circumstances. It has further been stated that all Air Pollution Control Devices installed at the plant are fully operational and are being properly maintained to ensure compliance with prescribed environmental norms.
3. The industry has submitted that CCTV cameras installed within the plant premises are fully operational and are continuously connected to the Board’s server in accordance with prescribed requirements.
In view of above facts ,as stack emission monitoring has to be carried out as per policy of Board .
In view of above facts , if approved ,it is recommended that renewal of consent to operate under the Water Act ,1981 and Air Act ,1981 may be further extended upto one year with special condition as under :
The following suitable conditions are proposed to be imposed while granting Consent to Operate (CTO):
1. The industry shall ensure that the electricity generation capacity of the plant does not exceed 14.5 MW at any time and shall submit periodic confirmation, if required, from Punjab State Power Corporation Limited.
2. The industry shall operate and maintain the Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) and all other Air Pollution Control Devices efficiently at all times so as to achieve the prescribed emission standards, and no black smoke emissions shall occur under any circumstances.
3. The industry shall ensure continuous operation and connectivity of CCTV cameras with the Board’s server, and recordings shall be maintained and produced as and when required.
4. The industry shall maintain a daily record of fuel ash generation, its storage, and disposal, and ensure that ash is disposed of in an environmentally sound manner.
5. The industry shall maintain a daily record of fresh water intake (canal water), boiler blowdown, DM plant rejection, and de-ashing conveyor belt reject, and shall make the same available for inspection.
6. The industry shall ensure that wastewater generated from various processes is properly managed and utilized within the premises for ash quenching, plantation, or other approved purposes, and no untreated discharge shall be made outside the premises.
7. The Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) shall be operated regularly and efficiently, and the treated sewage shall be utilized for plantation within the premises.
8. The industry shall maintain daily records of STP operation, water meter readings, and energy meter readings of the STP as well as Air Pollution Control Devices (APCD), and shall produce the same to the officers of the Board during inspection as and when required
9. The industry shall get its stack emissions and effluent sample analysed through Board lab within 2 months .
10. The industry shall not increase the production capacity, boiler capacity, or install any additional machinery without obtaining prior permission from the Board.
11. The industry shall comply with all applicable provisions of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and rules framed thereunder.
12. The industry shall obtain necessary permissions from competent authorities, including groundwater abstraction approval from the concerned authority, if applicable.
13. The industry shall ensure that no pollution or public nuisance is caused in the surrounding area due to its operations.
14. The consent is granted from the pollution control point of view only and does not absolve the industry from obtaining other statutory clearances as required under applicable laws.
Submitted please.
CC : Hon'ble Chairperson .......... |
