TGPCB Orders Production Halt at Arene Life Science Unit-3 Over Safety, Compliance Lapses
HYDERABAD: The Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) has ordered Arene Life Science (Unit-3) , formerly AVR Organics, to stop production in its Production Block-B following repeated incidents of fire and non-compliance with consent conditions and board directions. The facility is located at Yawapur and Maddikunta villages, Sadasivapet mandal, Sangareddy district.
The company, which manufactures bulk drugs and intermediates, had a valid Consent for Operation (CFO) and Hazardous Waste Authorisation (HWA) up to March 31, 2028. However, TGPCB issued directions on September 26, 2025, in response to public complaints.
Two fire accidents in a month
A flash fire occurred on September 24, 2025, around 17.40 IST in Production Block-C during the loading of a Stage-I intermediate (solid) of Darunavir into reactor SSR-316. Three employees G Diwakar (51), Senior Executive, P Srinivas (22), Chemist, and B Shiva Reddy (21), Junior Chemist sustained burns and were admitted to Apollo Hospital, DRDO, Hyderabad. Officials said the accident was caused by electrostatic charge during unloading of raw material carboys. The fire was brief and did not trigger the automatic extinguisher.
Another fire broke out on October 20, 2025, around 01.00 IST in Production Block-B during the unloading of toluene into drums. One person suffered major injuries, and another received minor burns while firefighting. The blaze was contained by 02.30 IST using a 400-kilolitre fire hydrant system and one fire tender.
Board orders production stop
TGPCB officials inspected the facility after both incidents. The board observed lapses in safety protocols, hazardous waste handling, and compliance with consent conditions. Following a personal hearing on October 24, 2025, the board directed the unit to stop operations in Production Block-B until further orders.
Firefighting wastewater of about 20 kilolitres was collected in a rainwater tank, and the company was instructed to send the burnt residues to the Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility (TSDF) for safe disposal.
No environmental impact reported
Officials noted that both fires were confined to specific reactors and did not result in significant environmental impact or wastewater generation. However, TGPCB said repeated accidents indicated lapses in process safety and compliance with operational conditions.
