Odisha Pollution Control Board seals Panthanivas

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Jan 31:

After initiating stringent action against three city-based hotels on Friday, Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) today cracked its whip harder by sealing the state government owned Panthanivas here for violating its norms.

The OSPCB today sealed the Panthanivas Bhubaneswar on charges of air and water pollution. The pollution watchdog had earlier served notice to Panthanivas on this account.

The Panthanivas was raided for violating the provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.

“According to the provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 any industry or hotel prior to its establishment/operation have to obtain ‘consent to establish’ and then ‘consent to operate’ from the OSPCB. Those operating without these will be considered as operating illegally as per provisions of the Act. The process has been initiated a year back. As per the provisions of the law we first issue show-cause notice later examine their replies, then go for a personal hearing. We also allow sufficient time/opportunity to comply. After exhausting all available options we serve closure notice,” said Hadibandhu Panigrahi, regional officer OPSCB.

Notably, the OPSCB Friday sealed Hotel Arya Palace and Nirmal Inn in Ashok Nagar and Bapuji Nagar-based Hotel Pelican.

The Board will be also sealing Hotel Urmee, Highway inn, Hotel Sriya in Rasulgarh Square, Hotel Bari International in Nayapalli and Hotel Annapurna in Mancheswar for such violations, said sources.

The OPSCB had also served notice to Hotel Keshari but since the matter is in the High Court, the Board will wait till the matter is adjudicated, the sources added.