NCL Bina project Air Act violation; puts public health at risk

The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) recently released a report detailing the violation of the Air Act 1981 by the NCL Bina project in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh. The report sheds light on the severe impact of industrialization on the environment and the need for stringent measures to regulate industrial activities.

The NCL Bina project, which began operations in 2013, is a coal-based thermal power plant that has a total installed capacity of 2,400 megawatts. The project is one of the largest power plants in the region. Furthermore, it has been a source of employment and revenue for the local community.

Past Reports and Warnings

However, the project's operations have come under scrutiny for their impact on the environment and public health. A report by the Central Pollution Control Board in 2019 found that the project was one of the top polluters in the country, with high levels of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions. This has led to a significant deterioration in the air quality of Sonbhadra and the surrounding areas. The poor air quality poses a severe threat to the health and well-being of the local population.

All the above-mentioned information was then later backed by an IIT Kanpur study in 2030. The report stated that the air had high levels of particulate matter and other pollutants.

Recent Violation of Air Act 1981

According to the 2023 UPPCB report, the plant has been flouting the norms set by the Air Act 1981. The Air Act 1981 is a comprehensive legislation that regulates the emissions of pollutants from industrial and other sources. The act sets standards for ambient air quality, establishes procedures for monitoring and controlling air pollution, and imposes penalties for non-compliance. 

The report also reveals that the NCL Bina project has failed to install and operate continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS) as required by the Air Act 1981. CEMS are used to monitor the emissions of pollutants from industrial facilities continuously. Without these systems, it is challenging to monitor and control the levels of pollutants emitted by industrial activities. This reflects a blatant disregard for the law and the health and well-being of the people living in the vicinity of the plant.

Threat to the Environment and Public health

The air quality in the region has been severely affected by the project's emissions, with high levels of particulate matter and other pollutants. These pollutants can cause respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and other health issues, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. Even the appearance of the locality has turned black due to coal dust & fly ash deposited on the sides of the road.

One of the common problems that the villagers and township people repeatedly face is the unavailability of clean water suitable for drinking and cooking. The water is contaminated primarily due to the release of toxic substances such as arsenic, lead, mercury, nickel, vanadium, beryllium, cadmium, barium, chromium, copper, molybdenum, zinc, selenium, and radium from the coal mines. 

The blasting that occurs in the vicinity of the mining area leaves a lasting impact. It often creates confusion with an actual earthquake and the impact of the blast felt over a long distance.

Measures to Address Air Pollution

In response to the violation, the UPPCB conducted ambient air quality monitoring in the area around the NCL Bina project in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh. The analysis report revealed that the levels of PM10 were 5 times higher than the permissible limit of 100 µg/m3. Hence, indicating a severe deterioration in air quality. The report further states that the project is not complying with the provisions of the Air Act 1981. As a penalty for non-compliance, the UPPCB has imposed an environmental compensation of Rs. 4,43,40000/- for the defaulting period against M/s Northern Coalfield Ltd, Bina Project, Bina, Sonbhadra. This violation poses a significant risk to public health and the environment, emphasizing the importance of strict enforcement of environmental regulations.

The Indian government has also taken several measures to address the issue of air pollution, such as the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). However, the lack of effective implementation and enforcement of these measures has limited their impact.

Conclusion

The violation of the Air Act 1981 by the NCL Bina project is a significant concern that demands urgent attention. It is imperative that the government takes appropriate action to ensure that the project complies with the Air Act 1981. Furthermore, take measures to reduce emissions and mitigate the impact on the environment and public health. Industries must be held accountable for their emissions of pollutants and be mandated to adopt measures to reduce their impact as well.

The UPPCB report serves as a wake-up call for the government, industries, and citizens to take urgent action to address the issue of air pollution. It is time to prioritize the health and well-being of the people over the profits of industries. The future of our planet depends on it

The violation of the Air Act 1981 by the NCL Bina project is a serious issue that cannot be ignored. The project's operations have been a cause for concern for several years. Hence, it is high time that the government takes decisive action to address the issue. It is essential to prioritize the health and well-being of the local community and ensure that industrial activities are conducted in a sustainable and responsible manner.

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