Key units of Shyam Metalics sealed over green violations

Sambalpur: The district administration on Monday sealed some key units of Shyam Metalics and Energy Limited in Rengali block for alleged non-compliance of directives issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Official sources said the company had earlier been served notices for violating water and air pollution norms. A central inspection team from Kolkata had visited the facility on Aug 1, 2024, and issued a series of directives, asking the company to ensure compliance by May 27, 2025. However, the prescribed measures were allegedly not implemented.

As part of the action, major operational units of the plant including the ferro alloys unit, DRI kiln, steel melting shop and pellet factory were sealed. In addition, all sub-units within the facility and as many as 21 furnaces were also shut down.

Inspections revealed that the plant had failed to adopt required processes for submerged furnaces at its induction units, violating environmental clearance conditions. Officials also found that adequate emission control systems to regulate dust and smoke from steel furnaces were not installed.

The company had further failed to submit its annual environmental audit report for 2024-25 within the Nov 30, 2025, deadline. While the audit report for 2023-24 had been submitted, the latest compliance status remains incomplete. The environmental display board at the main gate was also found to be non-functional, in violation of Supreme Court’s directives issued in 2003 and 2012.

Company’s HR representative, Praveen Kumar, told the media they are unaware of the reasons behind the closure. “The officials arrived and began shutting down various units of the company without prior information, and claimed ignorance about the cause of the action,” Kumar said.

Acting on the administration’s directive, officials of the power distribution company also reached the spot and disconnected electricity supply to multiple units of the plant, effectively halting operations.

Sambalpur sub-collector and executive magistrate Pushpanjali Panda said the directive to shut down the plant was issued by CPCB, which had instructed the State Pollution Control Board to take necessary action. “Acting on the directions of both agencies, the district administration proceeded to seal the plant,” Panda said.

Sambalpur additional SP Shrimanta Barik said police were deployed early on Monday morning following administrative order. Around three platoons of police personnel were stationed at the site to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incidents.