Bhubaneswar: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has ordered the immediate closure of Shyam Metalics & Energy Limited's integrated steel plant at Pandloi near Rengali in Sambalpur district, citing repeated and serious violations of environmental norms.
As per reports, the directive, issued under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, follows multiple inspections and prior warnings. Despite being instructed in May 2025 to fix excessive emissions and faulty pollution control systems, a fresh inspection on March 17-18 revealed widespread non-compliance.
Air pollution levels were found alarmingly high, with particulate matter emissions reaching 268 mg/Nm³ against the permissible 50 mg/Nm³. Inspectors also flagged wastewater discharge beyond plant boundaries, inadequate effluent treatment, and hazardous waste stored openly without safeguards. Several units were operating without approvals, while slag management and mandatory reporting were ignored.
The CPCB has made resumption conditional on full compliance and prior approval, directing the company to submit a detailed report within 30 days. District officials have begun sealing the facility, which employs thousands in sponge iron, billets, rolled products, pellets, and captive power generation.
The closure is expected to impact local industry and jobs until corrective measures are verified and approved by the authorities.