The company has been ordered to deposit the penalty within 15 days.
RAIPUR (India CSR): In a significant move underscoring the growing scrutiny of industrial compliance, the Chhattisgarh Environment Department has imposed a Rs. 16.75 lakh penalty on Jindal Steel Ltd. ( Earlier Jindal Steel & Power (JSPL), Raigarh in Chhattisgarh for violating environmental norms at its slag crushing facilities in Raigarh. The action follows a detailed inspection that revealed multiple breaches of conditions laid out in the company’s environmental clearance.
The Violations: A Breakdown of Non-Compliance
Jindal Steel Ltd. had received environmental clearance in 2024 to operate two slag crushing plants in Patrapali, Raigarh. These plants, with capacities of 7 lakh metric tonnes (MT) and 3.2 lakh MT respectively, were subject to several mandatory conditions aimed at minimizing pollution and ensuring sustainable operations. However, the company failed to meet key requirements:
- Green Belt Development Ignored: JSPL was required to develop a green belt over 33% of the area surrounding the crushing units. This was not done, leaving the site vulnerable to dust and air pollution.
- Uncovered Conveyor Belts: The conveyor systems used to transport slag remained uncovered, contributing to airborne particulate matter.
- Missing Garland Drain: No drainage system was constructed to contain contaminated water, increasing the risk of soil and water pollution.
- Delayed Compliance: Despite receiving clearance, JSPL did not initiate the required environmental safeguards within the stipulated time frame.
Penalty Imposed: Financial Accountability
Following an inspection, the Environment Department levied penalties based on the duration and severity of the violations:
| Plant Capacity | Violation Period | Fine Amount | Key Breach |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 lakh MT | 68 days | ₹12.75 lakh | No green belt, no garland drain, uncovered belts |
| 3.2 lakh MT | 32 days | ₹4 lakh | Similar breaches post clearance on 4 Sept 2023 |
The company has been ordered to deposit the full amount within 15 days.
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Slag Mountains and Pollution Concerns
Jindal Steel’s steel production generates massive quantities of slag—a byproduct of metal smelting. Near Parsada on Bhupdevpur Road, slag heaps have grown into towering mounds, prompting concerns among locals and environmentalists. The company has begun crushing the slag, but without proper safeguards, the process contributes to both air and water pollution.
This has triggered the enforcement of rules under the Air and Water Consent regulations, which mandate pollution control measures for such operations. The Environment Department’s action aligns with directives from the National Green Tribunal, reinforcing the legal obligation of industries to operate responsibly.
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Wider Implications: A Signal to Industry
This penalty is not an isolated case. Other companies in the region, including SKS and JSW, have also faced fines for similar violations. The crackdown reflects a broader push by regulatory bodies to enforce environmental laws more stringently, especially in industrial hubs like Raigarh.
The incident raises critical questions:
- Are environmental clearances being monitored effectively post-approval?
- How can industries balance production with ecological responsibility?
- What role should local governance and citizen activism play in ensuring compliance?
(India CSR)
