Jharsuguda , Nov 11 (UDN): A crucial review meeting was held in Jharsuguda district under the chairmanship of District Collector and Chairman of the Regional Transport Authority, Kunal Motiram Chavan, to discuss measures for controlling fly ash pollution and ensuring a safe, systematic and regulated transportation system.
The meeting focused on strengthening pollution control measures, ensuring strict compliance with transportation guidelines and holding industries and transport agencies accountable for violations that contribute to environmental pollution.
Key Decisions and Directives:
1\. Strict Compliance with Pollution Control Guidelines: Major industrial establishments, including OPGC, Vedanta, NTPC and JSW, have been directed to strictly comply with the guidelines issued by the Pollution Control Board and ensure effective measures to prevent fly ash pollution.
2\. Mandatory Safety Measures During Fly Ash Transportation: All vehicles transporting fly ash must be completely covered with three layers of tarpaulin to prevent dust and ash from spreading into the surrounding environment. Overloading of vehicles has been strictly prohibited. Additionally, the wheels and exterior portions of vehicles must be thoroughly washed before they leave the premises to prevent fly ash from spreading onto public roads.
3\. Proposal for Heavy Penalties: The district administration has proposed to the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) that penalties ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 be imposed on both companies violating the prescribed regulations and the transporters involved in such violations.
4\. Blacklisting of Repeat Offenders: Transport agencies repeatedly found violating the prescribed guidelines will be blacklisted. Strict action will also be initiated against such agencies wherever necessary to ensure accountability and prevent further violations.
The district administration emphasised the need for coordinated efforts by industrial establishments, transport agencies and concerned authorities to minimise environmental pollution and ensure that fly ash is transported in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.
The meeting was attended by Sub-Collector Sabyasachi Panda, Regional Transport Officer Gour Hari Hansda, the Sub-Divisional Information and Public Relations Officer, and senior representatives of various industrial establishments.
The review meeting reflects the district administration’s commitment to strengthening environmental protection, enforcing transportation regulations and ensuring that industrial activities do not adversely affect public health, road safety and the surrounding environment.