PCB orders closure of pharma unit for releasing effluents

Hyderabad: The Telangana Pollution Control Board (PCB) has issued a closure notice to Apex Drugs and Intermediates Limited Unit-2 at Gaddapotharam in Sangareddy for discharging pharma effluents into drains.

The order comes after an inspection and public hearing following a complaint regarding the illegal discharge of effluents by the unit.

“During the inspection, a tanker with effluents of about 20 kilo litres was found parked within the premises. On enquiry, it came out that the tanker belonged to Apex Drugs Unit-I which they had accepted for treatment of effluents as it was a sister concern,” the PCB said.

As per the consent for operation, Apex Unit-1 had to take their effluents to the joint effluent treatment plant at Jeedimetla, but it took it to Apex Unit-2 without PCB permission. During the inspection, it was observed that the effluents were in the collection tank, indicating that Apex Unit-2 was regularly receiving effluents from Unit-I and also storing it in drums.

“The industry has discharged untreated effluents into the drain through a pipe outside the premises on the west, joining Kazipally sump. Stagnation of effluents was observed outside the premises on the west side. It has not provided the first run-off rainwater collection tank. Several flexible hose pipes were observed on its premises. Spillage of effluents was observed near the effluent storage tank and the west side compound wall. The board is of the firm opinion that the company is discharging effluents and causing water pollution in the surrounding area,” the PCB said.