Ambuja Cement ordered to pay Rs 6.6 lakh compensation for non-compliance with environmental regulations.

The State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) in India has imposed an environmental compensation of Rs 6.6 lakh on the Ambuja Cement’s Rauri plant in Darlaghat for violating the provisions of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. The compensation has been levied for a period of 22 days from December 8 to December 30, during which the plant did not comply with environmental norms due to operational snags and lack of timely maintenance. The snags were reported by board officials during a slew of inspections at the plant. The plant’s machinery was affected, leading to air pollution emissions, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter, which can harm human health and the environment. Despite repeated show-cause notices and inspections, the plant did not rectify the defects and ensure compliance with environmental regulations, prompting the SPCB to take action. As a result, the plant halted its operations on December 11 to rectify the defects, and the penalty was imposed as per the direction of the National Green Tribunal. The SPCB member secretary issued the order on January 20 to levy the compensation, which reflects the severity of the violations. The case serves as a warning to industries in the region to prioritize environmental compliance and maintain operations in a way that minimizes harm to the environment and human health.