CSTPS units 3, 4 running in violation of pollution norms

Chandrapur: Even though Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station (CSTPS) has closed down its polluting unit no. 1 and 2, there is no respite to the citizens. Pollution data obtained under Right to Information Act has revealed that the old unit no. 3 and 4 of CSTPS are also highly polluting and are being run in blatant violation of the pollution standards. NGO Eco-Pro, that played key role in closure of first two units of the CSTPS, revealed shocking statistics of emission from unit 3 and 4 and demanded immediate closure of these two units also.
The unit no. 3 and 4, both having installed capacity of 210 MW each, were commissioned in 1985 and 1986, respectively. Both the units have ESP design of 350 mg/Nm3 as against present norm of 50 mg/Nm3. Both the units have emission chimneys of 150 meters height, as against present standard of 275 meters. “MPCB has given special relaxation of releasing 100 mg/Nm3 to these two units in the light of its age and outdated ESP design. Despite this special relaxation, these two units have consistently violated the emission standards. MPCB, during majority of its regular pollution related inspections, has found emission in excess of specified standards from unit 3 and 4,” said president of Eco-Pro, Bandu Dhotre.
Dhotre informed that MPCB has carried out 84 emission checks in CSTPS from June 2009 to October 2015. Out of 84 checks, samples in 54 and 48 instances from unit 3 and 4, respectively, were found violating relaxed standards of 100 mg/Nm3. On half a dozen instances, these units were found emitting SPM above 500 mg/Nm3 and 1000 mg/Nm3. These pollution inspections are random monthly exercise. There might have been several more occasions when pollution even higher than this had been discharged into the environment undetected, Dhotre said.
He claimed that a PIL filed by Eco-Pro against Mahagenco, CSTPS and state government seeking closure of highly polluting unit no. 1 and 2 had also sought relief from the high pollution caused by old unit no. 3 and 4. The NGO had also asked the court to direct Mahagenco and CSTPS to control the pollution levels by adopting effective measures and abide by the standards of emission prescribed by the MPCB. “High court bench of Justice BR Gavai and PN Deshmukh, on January 21, disposed off our PIL after Mahagenco’s lawyer told the court that the company had closed down unit 1 and 2 of CSTPS permanently. When our counsel pointed out towards other prayers related to high pollution from unit 3 and 4 and effective control pollution measures, the bench had asked us to come back to court if CSTPS fails to abide with pollution standards,” Dhotre said.
Dhotre warned of intense agitation if the demand for closure of polluting unit 3 and 4 is not met. He claimed that if needed, Eco-Pro will again file a PIL before the high court.