Arunachal Pradesh Tightens Oversight on Lekhi Iron Smelter Industry

The Arunachal Pradesh government closely monitors the Iron smelter industry at Lekhi to ensure compliance with environmental norms. Measures include installing bag filters and fume extraction systems. The industry has faced shutdowns in 2020 and 2022 for non-compliance. Raw materials are sourced from other states, with local quartz mining yet to commence.

The Arunachal Pradesh government is intensifying its scrutiny of the Iron smelter industry at Lekhi, ensuring strict adherence to environmental regulations. According to Environment Minister Wangki Lowang, directives are being issued to close any non-compliance gaps.

Emissions including particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and sulphur dioxide pose significant risks when they exceed prescribed limits, affecting both environment and public health. The smelter faced operational halts in 2020 and 2022 for failing to maintain air pollution control devices.

To curb pollution, the industry has implemented advanced technologies like bag filters, induction draught fans, and a 30-meter emission stack. Additionally, the Pollution Control Board has enforced several measures to ensure standards are met. Raw materials such as quartz and charcoal are sourced from other states, with potential local mining yet to be explored.

(With inputs from agencies.)