Hyderabad: The Telangana Pollution Control Board has imposed an environmental compensation of 31 lakh on SB Organics Limited, a bulk drug manufacturing unit in Hatnoora in Sangareddy district, in connection with the death of four persons in a chemical explosion in April.
The blast, which took place on April 3, caused significant soil and water contamination due to chemical spillages and effluent leakage. Following the explosion, TGPCB issued a closure order on April 27, citing the company's failure to implement adequate safety measures and prevent pollution.
SB Organics in Chandapur village produces guanidine nitrate and guanidine carbonate. The explosion and subsequent fire contaminated the surrounding soil and water. The company lifted 20 kilo litres of wastewater to the common effluent treatment plant (CETP) in Patancheru and disposed of 16.4 metric tonnes of contaminated soil and 12.4 MT of process sludge at the treatment, storage and disposal facility (TSDF) at Dundigal in Medchal Malkajgiri district.
TGPCB earlier inspected the facility following a complaint in Oct 2022.
Its investigation revealed that the company's operations compromised on the safety of workers and environment. Contaminants from the facility impacted soil and water quality, with spillages increasing pollution in the area. The location of the unit, within a 10-kilometre radius of Sangareddy municipality, heightened the risk, as the region has a population of over 15 lakh, as per the 2011 census.
NGT initiated the case suo motu following news reports about the explosion. It directed TGPCB and local authorities to assess the impact and ensure accountability. The environmental compensation of 31 lakh was calculated based on location factors and the extent of damage. The task force committee provided the company an opportunity to respond before finalising the penalty.