India Cements Yerraguntla unit in AP faces closure order

For non-compliance of its directions and standards on pollution control, the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) has ordered closure of India Cements (ICL) factory at Yerraguntla in the State's Kadapa district. The Board initiated action against four more cement factories in the district for causing severe pollution in the areas the factories are situated.

APPCB said that it issued closure orders for the India Cements factory with an objective to protect the public health and environment, in accordance with a decision taken at a hearing conducted by APPCB on August 5. The Board has also asked the State electricity authorities to disconnect power supply to the ICL factory.

ICL faced the Board action for non-upgradation of ESPs to control flue gas emissions and to meet the Board’s emission standards, storing limestone in an open area on the premises causing dust emissions to road users, accumulation of solid waste, i.e. raw meal and clinker lumps all over the factory surroundings without proper recycling or landfill, inadequate water sprinkling systems.