Odisha Pollution Control Board Takes Action Against Visa Coke for Environmental Violations
The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) has escalated its enforcement actions by serving a formal showcause notice to the managing director of Visa Coke Limited, located at the Kalinganagar Industrial Complex. This decisive move, executed on Thursday, comes in response to serious allegations of air and water pollution adversely impacting surrounding villages.
Details of the Notice and Consent Violations
In a communication addressed to Visa Coke's Manoj Kumar, OSPCB Member Secretary Manoj V Nair outlined the regulatory breaches. The plant, situated in Jakhapura, Jajpur district, had previously been granted consent to operate until March 31, 2029, authorizing an annual production of 400,000 tonnes of LAM coke. However, investigations revealed that the facility has allegedly flouted critical air and water pollution control standards.
The showcause notice was issued under Section 25 and 26 of The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and Section 21 of The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. The OSPCB's letter explicitly questions why the operational consent should not be revoked, signaling potential severe consequences for the company's future operations.
History of Non-Compliance and Community Impact
This is not the first instance of regulatory intervention. Earlier, on March 9, 2026, the OSPCB had directed the plant to construct a proper boundary to prevent effluent leaks towards adjacent villages. The current notice highlights a persistent pattern of non-compliance, with the absence of a primary effluent treatment plant (ETP) cited as a gross and ongoing violation of environmental norms. For an industry of this scale, a primary ETP is a fundamental requirement.
The environmental neglect has had devastating effects on local communities. Pratap Jena, general secretary of the Kalinganagar Shramik Sangh, emphasized that the pollution has made life hellish for approximately 20,000 villagers. He detailed that the plant is illegally discharging untreated industrial effluents into agricultural lands and creeks, leading to environmental degradation, soil and water contamination, and significant public health risks.
Lack of Response from Company Officials
Despite repeated attempts to seek clarification, Manoj Kumar, the director of the Visa Coke Plant, along with other company officials, remained uncontactable. This silence adds to the growing concerns about corporate accountability and environmental stewardship in the region.
The OSPCB's action underscores a broader commitment to enforcing environmental laws and protecting vulnerable communities from industrial pollution. The outcome of this showcause notice could set a precedent for how similar violations are addressed in Odisha's industrial landscape.
