TGPCB orders closure of Medchal galvanising unit over pollution violations | Hyderabad News

Hyderabad: The Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) has ordered the immediate closure of a galvanising unit in Medchal after an inspection found chemical effluent being discharged into a manhole, coolant oil dumped into open drains, and inadequate systems to control emissions from galvanising operations.The Board issued separate closure orders under the Air and Water Acts against a galvanising unit located in Medchal village and mandal in Medchal-Malkajgiri district. It also directed the Southern Power Distribution Company of Telangana (TGSPDCL) to disconnect the electricity supply to the unit with immediate effect.The three orders were dated Sept 1 and dispatched on Sept 2. The environmental engineer was directed to ensure compliance with the power disconnection order and to record meter readings within 48 hours.Chemical effluent found entering manholeTGPCB officials inspected the facility on July 21 under a computerised allocation system and recorded nine non-compliances.The Board found that chemical effluent generated from the process was not being sent to the Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) of JETL/IDPL. Instead, the effluent was being discharged directly into an internal manhole on the premises.Officials also found loose, flexible pipes near the pickling and phosphating tanks, and the unit lacked a system for collecting, storing, pre-treating, and properly disposing of effluent. Coolant oil was also being discharged into open drains near the main gate.The unit had been granted consent for operation on July 19, 2022, valid until March 31, 2027.Scrubber absent, galvanising fumes escapingOn the air pollution front, TGPCB found that the unit had not installed a wet scrubber for the pickling and phosphating sections. The suction system attached to the galvanising bath was also found inadequate, with emissions escaping through gaps along the sides of the shed.The industry also failed to provide records on production, effluent generation, and hazardous waste generation and disposal, and did not disclose details of its consent for operation and hazardous waste authorisation.Following the inspection, TGPCB issued a show-cause notice on Aug 7. The matter was placed before the Task Force Committee on Aug 31, where a representative of the unit participated. After deliberations, the committee recommended immediate closure, citing continuing environmental hazards.The Board warned that operation of the unit despite the closure directions could invite criminal prosecution before a magistrate’s court.