Vedanta Ltd has been directed by the Odisha State Pollution Control Board to pay an environmental compensation of ₹71.1 crore for the unauthorised disposal of fly ash, a byproduct generated from coal combustion in thermal power plants.
In a regulatory filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange, the company disclosed that the Member Secretary of OSPCB had issued a notice seeking a deposit of ₹71,16,53,320 as environmental compensation.
“The issue pertains to allegations of unauthorised disposal of fly ash. The company intends to seek legal remedies before the appropriate forum,” Vedanta stated.
The company further expressed confidence in receiving a favorable verdict and clarified that the penalty is not expected to have any material financial impact on its operations.
Fly ash, if improperly handled, poses serious environmental risks, including air and water pollution. The penalty is part of the regulatory body’s efforts to enforce environmental compliance in Odisha’s industrial zones.
Vedanta Ltd, a part of Vedanta Resources Ltd, operates globally across sectors such as oil and gas, metals, power, and recently, semiconductors and display glass. The conglomerate has active operations in countries including India, South Africa, Namibia, Liberia, UAE, Korea, Taiwan, and Japan.
