TGPCB orders closure of Nosch Labs after fatal reactor accident in Nalgonda
HYDERABAD: The Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) has issued closure orders to Nosch Labs in Veliminedu village of Chityal mandal in Nalgonda district following a fatal reactor accident that killed a senior chemist and injured five others on May 1.
The Board directed the company to stop all industrial activities immediately, citing failure to implement safety measures and non-compliance with consent conditions and Board directions under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
According to the inspection report submitted by Regional Office officials, the accident occurred between 11.45 IST and 12.00 IST during charging operations in the SSR-2 reactor in Production Block-3 while manufacturing Lansoprazole Sulfide Stage-I. Due to sudden internal pressure, the reactor manhole cover was forcefully ejected and struck the RCC roof.
Senior chemist Boddu Bala Krishna, 35, who was standing near the platform, fell from a height of about 14 feet onto the staircase and sustained severe injuries. He was shifted to DRDO Apollo Hospital in Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad, where he later died during treatment.
Five others were injured in the incident. They were identified as shift in-charge Lingaswamy, helper David, senior chemists Shankar and Lokeshwara Rao, and chemist Hari Prasad. Board officials said Lingaswamy was discharged on the same day while the remaining injured persons were undergoing treatment.
Contaminated water diverted into earthen trench
During inspection, TGPCB officials found chemically contaminated fire hydrant water flowing into an earthen trench because the conduit inlet to the rainwater collection tank was closed. The valve was later opened following instructions from Board officials, allowing the contaminated water to be diverted into the rainwater collection tank.
The Board also observed that no environmental officials from the company were present during the inspection. Water samples were collected near the rainwater collection tank to assess contamination levels. The company was instructed to collect contaminated wastewater and debris generated during firefighting operations and treat them through its Zero Liquid Discharge system and authorised facilities.
Officials conducted Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) monitoring at different locations inside the premises. VOC levels ranged from 0.640 PPM near the accident area to 6.018 PPM within the industry premises.
Earlier accident not reported to Board
The TGPCB said another accident had occurred in Production Block-2 on April 9 due to static electricity, injuring two persons. The Board alleged that the company failed to report the incident. One injured worker was discharged after treatment, while another was still undergoing treatment. The Regional Office issued a notice to the company on May 2 regarding the non-reporting of the earlier incident.
The Board said it decided to dispense with an opportunity for hearing as continued operation of the unit could pose “grave injury to the environment and public health”. It warned the company that continuing operations despite closure orders would attract prosecution under Section 41(2) of the Water Act and Section 37(1) of the Air Act, which provide for imprisonment ranging from one year and six months to six years along with fines.
In a separate order, the Board directed Telangana Southern Power Distribution Company Ltd (TGSPDCL) to disconnect power supply to the unit immediately.
