Issued closure notice by the AP Pollution Control Board for causing pollution, 12 bulk drug units in Medak and Ranga Reddy districts would challenge the Board’s July 10 order before the Appellate Authority for APPCB, it is learnt.
These companies have been directed to stop all industrial activities with effect from July 23 to facilitate completion of ongoing batches.
Officials of Aurobindo Pharma Ltd, whose two units with more than 3,000 employees have been asked to down shutters, contend that the company’s Zero Process Liquid Discharge Systems ensure that no polluted water is released, contrary to APPCB’s claims.
Similarly, four units of Hetero Drugs have been asked to close operations.
Issuing the order, APPCB accused the units of manufacturing products for which they didn’t seek consent, using excess water and thereby discharging additional wastewater, and using more boilers than permitted.
Incidentally, an enquiry committee, constituted on directions of the Appellate Authority, had recently found 15 of 18 units under the scanner manufacturing drugs for which they did not have consent from APPCB, as is mandatory.
Requesting anonymity, an official from one of the units said though drug units do manufacture some products for which they do not have permission, in many instances the application for consent is already pending with the Board. “We declare what and how much drugs we manufacture,” the official reasoned.
According to the official, even the enquiry committee has concluded that there is no additional pollution load with the latest sophisticated equipment installed by the drug units.
Meanwhile, a senior APPCB official said the Appellate Authority had, on December 12 last year, stated that whenever industries want to manufacture un-consented products and/or increase production capacity, they should approach the Board with all required data.
The companies should satisfy the Board that such change in product mix or increase in production will not increase pollution, the Appellate Authority had ruled.
“It was made clear that the appellants (companies) shall not commence any new batches without the Board’s permission,” the official said.