Astec Lifesciences temporarily stops operation at Dombivali plant

Astec Lifesciences has temporarily suspended operations at its Dombivali plant in Thane (Maharashtra) following a closure notice issued by Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to 22 companies located in the Dombivali-MIDC area recentlly. This is the second time that MPCB has issued closure notice to companies in the area. Earlier, 39 companies were issued the notice on 3 February 2014.
 
MPCB has been taking this step in response to National Green Tribunal's (NGT) notice, based on an appeal filed by NGO Vanashakti, seeking clarification from MPCB regarding contamination of Ulhas river, Thane.
 
There are 2 group of industries in the Dombivali MIDC area - one is textile industries and other is chemical industries. There are around 450 companies in MIDC Phase I and Phase II in Dombivali, out of which around 250 companies deal in chemicals with some using hazardous substances.
 
After few hearings between MPCB and companies affected due to the closure order, MPCB issued restart order to all textile industries after considering certain parameters, standards, obtaining certain assurances regarding improvements fom the companies. On the last hering on 13 March 2014, National Green Tribunal has called for an explanation from MPCB for passing the restart order for textile industries. They need to place on record about he effluent discharge of such idustries and verification of nature and quantity of effluent, within 2 weeks of the last hearing date. Next date of hearing is 15th April 2014.
 
All chemical industries and companies who are aggrieved by the order of MPCB for their temporary suspension of operations have come togather and will be filing an appeal to High Court and NGT.