West Bengal Pollution Control Board (Department of Environment, Government of West Bengal) Paribesh Bhawan, Bldg. 10A, Block LA Sector III, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700 098 Tel: 2335-6730, 2335-9088/7428/8211/6731/0261/8861 Fax: 2335-2813 Memo no.: 428-222/WPB/O&E/2013 Date: 07/06/2013 CLOSURE ORDER WITH DISCONNECTION OF ELECTRICITY WHEREAS, a secondary lead smelting industry (hereinafter referred to as the industry) of Gulab Singh located at premises of Fariduddin Mondal, Jessore Road, Mouza & P.O.- Joypul, P.S.- Barasat, Dist.- North 24 Parganas, Pin – 743 234 is engaged in manufacturing of lead ingot, lead plate using lead scrap/dross as raw material. AND WHEREAS, a public complaint was received by the WEST BENGAL POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD (hereinafter referred to as the Board) against the industry by the villagers of Joypul, P.S.- Barasat, Dist.- North 24 Parganas alleging that the industry is operating during night time and discharging obnoxious smoke resulting in serious health hazards to the local people. AND WHEREAS, the industry was inspected by the Board on 10/04/2013. During inspection, it was learnt that the industry is operating at the premises of Fariuddin Mondal (Bablu) under proprietorship of Gulab Singh for about 3-4 years. No specific information about the name & style of the industry and its proprietor/partner could be gathered. The industry has 1 no. wood- charcoal-fired Mandir Vatti (double chambered) connected to a stack of height 30m from G.L. through a bag house which seemed to be not in operating condition, followed by an ID Fan. During inspection the industry was not in operation. But open dumping of lead dross as well as wood charcoal (fuel) in sufficient amount including the finished products in the form of ingot and plate proved that the industry was operated on regular basis. Moreover, the chambers of the vatti as well as the ducting that carries the flue gas to the stack was physically found in hot condition. The stack has no sampling arrangement. Inspection notice was served but the representative of the industry present during inspection refused to sign it. AND WHEREAS, the industry could not show the NOC or ‘Consent to Operate’ of the Board during inspection. AND WHEREAS, the industry was called for a hearing by the Board on 16/05/2013. Nobody appeared on behalf of the industry during the hearing. The complainants appeared and submitted that the lead smelting industry is operated during night time at the premises of Md. Fariuddin, Mouza, Vill. & P.O. Joypul, P.S.- Barasat, J.L. No. 126, Dist.- North 24 Parganas. They alleged that they are facing serious health problems like breathing problem, nausea, skin irritation etc. due to operation of such lead smelting industry. NOW THEREFORE, considering the above, the secondary lead smelting industry of Gulab Singh (hereinafter referred to as the industry) located at the premises of Fariduddin Mondal, Jessore Road, Mouza & P.O.- Joypul, P.S.- Barasat, Dist.- North 24 Parganas, Pin – 743 234 is hereby closed by the Board with immediate effect. The electricity connection of the industry is ordered to be disconnected forthwith. The Director (HR), WBSEDCL is requested to take necessary steps to disconnect the electricity connection of the industry immediately. The Officer-In-Charge, Barasat Police Station, Dist.- 24 Parganas (North) is directed to execute the closure order against the aforementioned industry and submit compliance report to the State Board within seven (7) days from the receipt of this Memo. This direction is being issued to the Officer-in-Charge, Barasat Police Station and WBSEDCL in conformity with the order of the Hon'ble High Court, Calcutta dated 21/08/1998 and 28/04/1999 respectively. The Environmental Engineer, Barrackpore Regional Office of the Board is requested to take necessary steps for proper execution of the closure order and also visit the industry involving the local police station and the concerned Nodal Police Officer. This order has been issued in exercise of the powers conferred under the provisions of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and Rules made thereunder and has the approval of the Competent Authority. By Order, Sd/- Chief Engineer Operation and Execution Cell West Bengal Pollution Control Board .