Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) has slapped a closure direction on Visa Steel’s ferro alloys plant and the direct-reduced iron (DRI) unit at Kalinganagar in Jajpur for violating pollution control norms. The pollution watchdog has revoked the consent to operate given to both the manufacturing units till the company takes adequate measures to comply with the norms. The closure direction by OSPCB follows a showcause notice issued in September this year after inspection of the sponge iron-based integrated steel plant and ferro alloys facilities. Though the company replied to the notice, asking for a lenient stand from the board, its response was found to be unsatisfactory. In the course of its inspections, the board found gross deficiencies and defects in the environment management system.
Visa Steel is a flagship company of the Visa Group, which has business interests in Steel, Power, Cement, International Trading and Urban Infrastructure etc. The Company is a leading player in the Special Steel, Ferro Chrome and Metallurgical Coke Business in India.
