APPC Board reprimands uranium firm

KURNOOL: AP Pollution Control Board which has been in the eye of storm for its laxity in not initiating anti-pollution measures at the Uranium Corporation of India Ltd (UCIL) unit at Tummalapalle in Kadapa district issued directions to the firm to comply with the provisions of Water (prevention and control of pollution ) Amendment Act 1988 and Air (prevention and control of pollution ) Amendment Act, 1987 with  a caveat that a review would lie against its compliances.

APPCB directed the UCIL to take up environmental social responsibility (ESR)  by providing potable water in the villages, health camps in surrounding area, support DWACRA groups, sponsor skill development programs, improve road infrastructure in the villages, support education activities in the area and create awareness about their activities .

Mr Vivek Yadav, member secretary,  APPCB said " based on the review and findings of the expert committee , APPCB issued directions to UCIL and will review compliance of the directions periodically ". The expert committee studied the impact of storage of process waste slurry  in the tailing pond, on the ground water quality of the surroundings. The committee visited the industryand surrounding agriculture lands on 9th and 10th September and submitted report on 11th September.

The APPCB Zonal office at Kurnool which has jurisdiction over UCIL has come under scanner for its laxity in enforcing and sounding alarm about impact of pollution on the people living in surrounding areas. Postings at Zonal and Regional offices had become so  lucrative that even cabinet ministers involve in such postings, it is learnt.

APPCB had issued directions under section 33 (A) of Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution ) Amendment Act,1988 and under section 31(A) of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution ) Amendment Act, 1987 after reviewing objections on legal hearing held on 5th September.

APPCB directed UCIL to form an environmental management committee headed by senior officials trained in environmental issues, provide imperious discharge channels to prevent erosion of the abutments and consequent seepage, share historical records of ground water levels ad detailed water quality characteristics, rise in tail pond level, provide fencing to secure the entire area,and submit the compliance of the EC, CFE, and CFO conditions with photographs and videos.