Odisha’s Bold Move: Sealing of Viraj Steel Plant's Induction Furnaces Over Pollution Violations
In a significant development, the Odisha State Pollution Control Board has sealed two induction furnaces, No. 3 and No. 4, at the Viraj Steel Plant in Gurupali, Sambalpur, due to severe violations of environmental regulations. This action, which comes after months of complaints and repeated inspections, signals the growing commitment of the state’s authorities to uphold stringent pollution control measures and safeguard public health and safety.
Background: Ongoing Concerns and Complaints
The Viraj Steel Plant has long been a subject of local complaints, particularly from residents in nearby areas who have raised concerns about the plant’s environmental impact. Over the years, locals have reported issues related to dust emissions and air pollution, which have made daily life difficult for those living near the plant. Furthermore, heavy vehicles transporting materials to and from the plant have caused frequent accidents along State Highway 10, intensifying public safety concerns.
One of the major entities voicing concerns was the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Development Committee, which drew attention to the adverse effects of the plant’s operations on the surrounding community, especially those already facing socio-economic challenges. This growing outcry prompted the OSPCB to take decisive steps.
Inspection Findings and Action Taken
On January 7, a team from the OSPCB conducted an inspection of the Viraj Steel Plant and identified several violations of pollution control regulations. Among the infractions, dust emissions and other pollutants were found to exceed permissible levels, confirming the concerns raised by local residents and advocacy groups.
Following the inspection, the OSPCB issued a shutdown order for the two problematic furnaces (No. 3 and No. 4) on February 7, giving the plant management an opportunity to comply. However, the plant failed to voluntarily implement the shutdown. As a result, authorities took further steps to ensure compliance.
Enforcement of Shutdown Order
After the plant's failure to comply with the OSPCB's shutdown order, the Sadar Sub-Collector received instructions on February 14 to enforce the closure. Despite the order, the furnaces continued operations, forcing the authorities to take more stringent measures. On March 1, a team led by Sub-Collector Pushpanjali Panda, alongside officials from various departments, sealed the two induction furnaces at the plant.
The plant’s management has now been officially prohibited from operating these furnaces until further notice, pending compliance with the necessary environmental regulations.
Repeated Inspections and Escalating Actions in 2024
The OSPCB's actions in 2025 are not the first to address the plant’s violations. Throughout 2024, officials conducted multiple inspections in response to ongoing complaints about pollution. These repeated investigations highlighted the plant’s continued failure to meet required environmental standards, leading to escalating actions from the authorities.
Public Reaction and Safety Concerns
The local community’s concerns about pollution and safety have continued to mount, especially due to the regular occurrence of accidents involving heavy vehicles on State Highway 10. The frequent dust emissions from the steel plant have also resulted in health hazards for local residents, especially those in the immediate vicinity of the plant.
In addition to these issues, there is a growing awareness of the environmental damage caused by excessive emissions from such industrial operations. The situation highlights the challenges that industrial plants must address in order to balance economic productivity with the protection of the environment and local communities.
Key Takeaways:
• The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) has sealed two induction furnaces at the Viraj Steel Plant in Sambalpur for violating pollution control regulations.
• The plant failed to comply with a shutdown order issued by the OSPCB in February 2025, prompting enforcement action by the Sadar Sub-Collector.
• The plant has faced ongoing public complaints regarding dust emissions and pollution, affecting local residents and causing safety concerns on nearby highways.
• Multiple inspections in 2024 led to escalating actions by authorities, including the final shutdown of the two furnaces.
• The Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Development Committee raised concerns about the plant's impact on local communities, highlighting the need for stricter environmental controls.
• The incident underscores the importance of regulatory compliance and environmental protection in industrial operations, especially in areas with significant residential populations.
