Paradip: The public hearing on the proposed expansion and new projects at the Paradip Unit of Paradeep Phosphates Limited (PPL) was successfully conducted on Friday.
The hearing was held under the Chairmanship of Niranjan Behera, Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Paradip, in the presence of Bibechita Sarangi, Regional Officer (RO) of Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB), Paradip, and officials from the district administration and regulatory authorities. Ajinkya Mane, Additional SP, Paradip was present from Police administration.
More than 500 local residents, public representatives, community members and other stakeholders participated in the public hearing and shared their views, suggestions and concerns regarding the proposed expansion and new projects.
The proposed projects received support from the participants, with several local residents, community members and other stakeholders expressing their positive views on the expansion and the potential benefits it could bring to the local area and community. The proceedings were conducted in a transparent and orderly manner, with PPL and its environmental consultants addressing the questions and issues raised by the participants, a company statement said.
“We are encouraged by the constructive participation and support expressed by the local community during the public hearing. The proposed expansion and new projects are aimed at strengthening PPL’s manufacturing capabilities while creating greater opportunities for local development and employment. We remain committed to implementing the project responsibly, with due emphasis on environmental protection, resource efficiency, regulatory compliance and the well-being of the communities around us. We sincerely appreciate the participation of all stakeholders and look forward to their continued support and cooperation as we move ahead,” said S Girish, Unit Head of PPL’s Paradip Unit.
The proposed expansion project envisages expansion and diversification of fertilizer and specialty chemical manufacturing facilities within the existing PPL plant premises, without any additional land acquisition. The proposal includes a new NP/NPK granulation complex, GTSP, ammonium sulphate, customized and water-soluble fertilizers, value-added gypsum products, green ammonia, specialty fluorine derivatives and other value-added products.
The project places significant emphasis on resource conservation, circular economy and environmental sustainability. Fluorosilicic acid generated from the existing phosphoric acid plants is proposed to be utilized for producing Aluminium Fluoride, and other fluorine derivatives, while phosphogypsum will be utilized for value-added gypsum products and Urea-Calcium Sulphate based fertilizers. The proposed green ammonia facility will use renewable-energy-based hydrogen, supporting the national clean-energy transition and PPL’s vision towards Net Zero emissions.
The proposed expansion will make maximum use of the existing infrastructure and facilities. Environmental safeguards include treatment and reuse of industrial effluents under Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) principles, sewage treatment and reuse, advanced air pollution control systems, continuous online emission monitoring, scientific waste management and strengthening of greenbelt and environmental monitoring systems. Mr Sumit Senapati, CGM- HR, PPL Paradeep Unit elaborated the proposed expansion project details and its benefits.
The successful conduct of the public hearing marks an important milestone in the statutory environmental clearance process for the proposed project. PPL reiterated its commitment to responsible industrial development, environmental protection, regulatory compliance and continued engagement with the local community.
Through its CSR and community development initiatives, the company will continue to support areas such as healthcare, education, livelihood enhancement, environmental conservation, water and sanitation, and community welfare.
The public hearing concluded in a positive and constructive atmosphere, reflecting the importance of stakeholder participation in the sustainable development of the Paradip region.