HC Stays OSPCB Closure Order For JITP In Odisha’s Angul

Cuttack:Calling for balancing environmental considerations with the practical realities faced by industries, the Orissa High Court issued a stay on March 23 order of Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB), halting all operations at Jindal India Thermal Power (JITP)’s plant in Angul.

While issuing the interim order on April 15, the single-judge bench of Justice S K Panigrahi observed that the closure order was “a disproportionate response given the company has already achieved a high level of compliance and is making efforts to reach full compliance”.

“Indeed, an overly rigid adherence to paper rules and procedures can be harmful, if it overlooks the underlying purpose or substance of the rules in the first place. The balance between structure and flexibility can lead to more effective and meaningful outcomes.”

Justice Panigrahi further stated that thermal power plants are integral to the state’s energy infrastructure, especially during the peak demand periods of the summer months. “Abrupt closure of these facilities could consequently have profound social and economic repercussions, including potential job losses and discernible disruptions to the power supply.”

“Moreover, it is assured by the company and an independent agency that the discharge of treated waste water is not hazardous to the health of the people or the environment. Consequentially, the closure of the company may indeed seem unjustifiable for it is important to balance environmental considerations with the practical realities faced by businesses,” he added.

The stay order will remain effective till July 25 when further hearing on JITP’s petition will be held with response from OSPCB.

The pollution control body had issued the closure notice to the power plant for discharging waste water directly into Kaudia nullah, which in turn falls into the Tikira river.