Last Updated on July 18, 2023 by The Health Master
Pharma firm penalised for pollution
Hyderabad: The Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) has recently taken action against Brundavan Laboratories, a pharmaceutical company located in Yellagiri village of Choutuppal mandal in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district.
The company has been found guilty of violating environmental regulations related to water and soil pollution, resulting in damage to crops.
As a consequence, the TSPCB has imposed an environmental compensation penalty of Rs 45 lakh on Brundavan Laboratories.
TSPCB’s Findings and Compensation Calculation
The TSPCB conducted an investigation into the complaints filed by local residents and presented their report on July 1.
The report highlighted the water and soil pollution caused by the pharmaceutical industry.
It also took into account factors such as the pollution index of the industry sector, the duration of the violations, the monetary factor for environmental compensation, the scale of operation, and the location.
Initially, the TSPCB estimated the compensation amount at Rs 67,50,000 based on these calculations.
However, during a task force committee meeting held on June 13, Brundavan Laboratories requested a revision of the environmental compensation.
The company argued that they had made investments during the violation period to address the issues raised.
Taking this into consideration, the committee recommended a revision, leading to the final compensation amount of Rs 45,00,000.
TSPCB’s Instructions for Compliance
In addition to the penalty, the TSPCB issued specific instructions to Brundavan Laboratories to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
These instructions are aimed at preventing future violations and safeguarding the surrounding environment.
The instructions include:
Maintenance of Adequate Freeboard:
The pharmaceutical company must maintain sufficient freeboard in their effluent collection tanks to prevent overflows and subsequent pollution.
Proper Effluent Disposal:
Brundavan Laboratories is required to dispose of the effluents in accordance with the conditions outlined in the Consent for Operation (CFO) and Hazardous Waste Authorization (HWA).
They are explicitly instructed not to stock excess effluents in the collection tanks during the rainy season.
Instead, they should send them to the Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) or treat them in a Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) system.
Legal Framework and Ongoing Monitoring
These directions were issued by:
- The TSPCB under Section 33 (A) of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 1988,
- Section 31 (A) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 1987.
The TSPCB will continue to closely monitor Brundavan Laboratories to ensure their compliance with the conditions and directions provided by the board.
Regular inspections will be conducted to ensure that the company adheres to the prescribed environmental standards and safeguards the local ecosystem.
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