Latest news with #EnvironmentClearance
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Odisha: Medha Patkar, IRS officer detained over planned protest against bauxite mining
Environment activist Medha Patkar was detained along with over 20 others by the Rayagada administration shortly after she arrived in the Odisha district on Thursday to participate in a public meeting in protest against the proposed bauxite mining by Vedanta Limited. Officials barred her from reaching the place along with 24 others, including activist Prafulla Samantra and IRS officer Sunanda Jhodia, citing that her presence at the protest at Sunger Hatapada village, organised by anti-mining forum 'Maa Mati Mali Surakshya Mancha', could create a law-and-order situation. Rayagada district collector Parul Patawari's order, dated June 4, said there is a reasonable apprehension the movement and the presence of Patkar and other activists may lead to deterioration of law and order, disturb public peace and hinder smooth conduct of administrative affairs and development processes in the district. 'Therefore in exercise of the powers conferred under Sec 163(3) of Bharatiya Nagarik Surakhya Sanhita,2023, Collector hereby issues prohibiting order restricting the above named individuals from entering or remaining present in Rayagada district for a period of two months from the date of issue of this order & participating in or instigating any form of protest, Dharana or unlawful assemblies within the said area. Any violation of this order shall be liable for action as per the law,' the order stated. After she was detained at the Rayagada railway station by police, Patkar was swiftly sent to Berhampur from where she travelled to Bhubaneswar. 'When I got off the train, the police stopped me at the station. I sat there and they asked me to wait in the VIP lounge, but I refused. I was supposed to go to the house of the person who came to receive me and then attend the programme. But the police did not allow it and showed me an order from the Collector listing 20 to 25 names of people who were barred from entering Rayagada district. They accused me of coming here to 'instigate' people,' she said. The meeting at Sunger, where Patkar was scheduled to speak, was planned in protest against bauxite mining at hills that straddle Kalahandi and Rayagada districts. In March 2023, the Odisha government issued a 50-year mining lease for a proposed bauxite mining project in the Sijimali hills, with the mines extending over an area of 1,549 hectares. After facing setbacks in its plans to mine at the Niyamgiri hills, Vedanta's interest shifted to the Sijimali. The mines have an estimated bauxite reserve of 311 million tonnes. The Sijimali mining project is likely to displace 100 families from 18 villages in the two districts, activists claim. Vedanta has applied for the mandatory Environment Clearance under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and Forest Clearance under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. In October 2023, two public hearings in Rayagada and Kalahandi districts for environmental clearance ended amid much protests. Protesting the detention of Patkar, former state Congress chief Niranjan Patnaik called it unfortunate. 'It is an assault on the very spirit of democracy. People who believe in democratic values should reflect seriously on this. Who are the architects behind this decision? In whose interest such a decision has been taken,' Patnaik asked.
Business Standard
15-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Petro Carbon and Chemicals Limited Enhances Industry Presence with Strategic Infrastructure Expansion
PNN Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 15: Petro Carbon and Chemicals Limited (PCCL), a large Indian Calcined Petroleum Coke (CPC) sector player, has taken a bold leap toward energy independence and sustainability with the successful commissioning of a cutting-edge 10 MW Waste Heat Recovery-based Captive Power Plant at its Haldia facility in West Bengal. This milestone is part of a larger strategic transformation, as PCCL gears up to expand its product portfolio with the upcoming addition of two new high-value offerings: advanced carbon materials. This will enable the company to serve a broader range of industries and reinforce its position as a fully integrated, future-ready carbon solutions provider committed to efficiency, innovation, and sustainable growth. Company Background and Industry Role: Founded in 2007, PCCL specializes in the manufacture of Calcined Petroleum Coke (CPC), a critical raw material for the aluminium, steel, and carbon product industries. Operating from its integrated facility within the Haldia Dock Complex, the company's capacity to produce 93,744 TPA of high- trade CPC using advanced rotary kiln technology. Its output is vital to sectors requiring high carbon content, such as aluminium smelting and specialty steel production. PCCL with its proximity to the Haldia Oil Refinery, port infrastructure, and a dedicated railway sidingbenefits from strong logistical integration, enabling swift sourcing of raw materials and efficient dispatch of finished goods to Marquee clients. Leadership and Vision: Under the stewardship of Managing Director, Mr. Vishal Atha and Whole-Time Director, Mr. Rudra Sen Singh, PCCL continues to prioritize innovation, quality, and environmental stewardship. Mr. Atha's business acumen has been instrumental in scaling operations and pursuing vertical integration, while Mr. Singh brings over five decades of technical expertise to ensure process excellence. Their leadership reflects in initiatives such as the new power plant and sustainable practices aimed at lowering the company's carbon footprint. The management's focus is clear: to build a future-ready carbon company that balances profitability with responsibility. Expansion and Business Developments: In a regulatory disclosure dated March 7, 2025, PCCL announced the commissioning of a 10 MW WHRB captive Power Plant at its Haldia factory on March 6, 2025. This self-sustained energy infrastructure enhances the operational resilience of the facility, ensuring uninterrupted and cost- effective power for CPC production. The power plant is expected to optimize energy costs, reduce external power dependency, and support future capacity expansion. This move aligns with the company's broader strategy of integrating energy and process efficiencies into its carbon manufacturing value chain. In addition to commissioning its 10 MW WHRB captive power plant, PCCL has recently received Environment Clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. This clearance allows the company to undertake a major expansion at its Haldia plant, including the installation up to 72,000 TPA of advanced carbon materials and a 48,000 TPA revamping of its Old Carbon Paste Plant. These developments underscore PCCL's commitment to diversification, horizontal integration, and environmental compliance. Further, PCCL's subsidiary company has entered into a partnership, the entity is engaged in the carbon chemicals business. This strategic move broadens the group's operational footprint and enhances its market offerings across adjacent product lines. Industry Trends and Strategic Resilience: The CPC industry has faced headwinds in FY 2025, primarily due to elevated raw material prices that could not be fully passed on to customers, leading to margin pressures across the sector. However, PCCL, owing to its agility and razor-sharp focus on cost control, has navigated these challenges effectively maintaining profitability and avoiding losses despite the difficult macro environment. This reflects the company's operational strength and proactive management. Sustainability, Capacity, and Future Outlook: PCCL's environmental policy emphasizes regulatory compliance, resource efficiency, and pollution control. The new power plant not only bolsters energy security but also aligns with the group's green initiatives. With demand for CPC set to grow alongside the aluminium and steel sectors, the company is well-positioned to scale up business responsibly and meet evolving industry needs. PCCL is also actively exploring expansion into the carbon-based recycling industry. Substantial management efforts are being directed towards confirming the strategy and evaluating diversification into this space, which aligns with global sustainability trends and long-term market demand. Looking ahead, PCCL plans to build on its infrastructure and leverage its strategic location to cater to both domestic and export markets. The Haldia unit, now equipped with captive power generation, stands as a robust hub for sustained carbon material supply in the region. Business Update and Market Position: PCCL continues to maintain stable operational performance with production and sales volumes in line with historical figures. A significant portion of the company's revenues comes from Marquee clients such as NALCO and Hindalco comprising a major part of its customer base. This reflects the company's strong credibility, consistent quality and alignment with top-tier buyer in the industry.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Environment dept issues stop-work notice to controversial project in Goa
The Goa State Environment Impact Assessment Authority issued a stop-work notice on Tuesday to a construction project of a private company near Panaji for allegedly not obtaining prior environment clearance amid protests. A day before, the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) had demonstrated against the upcoming project at Bambolim village. RGP MLA Viresh Borkar and the party president Manoj Parab had alleged that the project would adversely affect the environment. As the protests continued on Tuesday, the Goa State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (GSEIAA), which works under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, issued a stop-work notice to the project. State Environment Director Sachin Desai, also a member secretary of the authority, ruled that the construction activity was undertaken by M/s Worldwide Resorts and Entertainment Private Limited without obtaining prior Environment Clearance (EC) as prescribed under the Environment Impact Assessment notification, 2006. Desai stated that the application for EC has been pending before the GSEIAA. "In exercise of the powers conferred under section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Authority directs you (the company) to stop the work with immediate effect," the notice reads. The GSEIAA has also ruled that the company should ensure that no civil work is carried out at the site. "Failure to comply with the directions shall attract action under section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, which includes imprisonment or fine," the order reads. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
