RAIPUR (Chhattisgarh): Kamal Sharda-led Sarda Energy and Minerals Limited has been issued a notice by the Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board over alleged fly ash dumping without permission, officials said on Friday, as the regulator intensified action against industrial units violating pollution control norms.
The action forms part of a broader enforcement drive being carried out by the board against industrial units found violating environmental norms in the Raipur region. The board said it has been maintaining continuous surveillance over industrial units and taking action against violators under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
Notice Issued in Wider Enforcement Drive
Officials said that since January 2026, notices have been issued to 23 industries after pollution-related issues were detected during inspections. Among these cases, Sarda Energy and Minerals Limited was specifically served a notice in connection with alleged unauthorised fly ash dumping.
The board did not provide further operational details of the alleged violation in the statement, but the mention of the company in the official action note places it among the industrial units under scrutiny in the latest compliance drive.
Board Steps Up Industrial Monitoring
The Regional Office, Raipur, has been carrying out regular inspections of water- and air-polluting industries as part of its ongoing monitoring mechanism. The board said action is being taken where pollution, operational irregularities, or violations of consent conditions are found.
The current crackdown also covers industries operating in key industrial belts such as Urla and Siltara, where several pollution-intensive units have come under the regulator’s watch.
Strict Position on Environmental Compliance
The board said industries will not be allowed to operate unless they ensure full compliance with environmental standards, statutory provisions, and consent conditions.
It added that strict action, including production closure and electricity disconnection, has already been taken against 30 industries in cases involving unsatisfactory response to notices, operation without board consent, and pollution found during complaint-based or routine inspections.
However, in the case of Sarda Energy and Minerals Limited, the official note specifically refers to the issuance of a notice over alleged fly ash dumping without permission.
Public Interest and Pollution Control
The board said protection of public interest and the environment remains its top priority. It appealed to all industrial units and related departments to strictly follow environmental regulations and comply with administrative directions in a time-bound manner.
It also made clear that stringent action against units found violating environmental norms will continue in the future.
Why the Case Matters
The notice to Sarda Energy and Minerals Limited is significant because fly ash disposal remains a sensitive environmental issue, particularly in industrial and power-linked sectors. Improper handling or dumping of fly ash can raise concerns related to land degradation, dust pollution, and regulatory non-compliance.
By naming the company in its latest enforcement communication, the Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board has signalled that violations linked to waste disposal practices will also face scrutiny alongside broader air and water pollution issues.
(India CSR)
