Hyderabad: The Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) has ordered the closure of Greentek India Private Limited’s solar equipment manufacturing unit in Medak district after finding that it was operating without valid environmental clearances and had failed to prevent untreated effluent spillages.In an order issued on July 17, the board also directed the Telangana Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TGSPDCL) to disconnect power supply to the unit immediately and submit a compliance report within 48 hours.The facility, located in Shabashpally village of Shivampet mandal, manufactures solar fins and solar collectors.Permits expired in NovAccording to the TGPCB, the unit’s consent for operation (CFO) and hazardous waste authorisation (HWA) expired on Nov 30, 2025. Although the company applied for renewal, its application was not considered by the board through an order dated March 28, 2026.A computerised inspection conducted on May 30 found that the unit had continued operations without valid consent or authorisation. Officials also observed that effluent was being stored in two one-kilolitre Sintex tanks and an open metal tank placed on bare ground, with spillages noticed around the storage area.The board further found that the company had not installed a pre-treatment facility for effluent before sending it to a common effluent treatment plant (CETP). It also failed to comply with other standard conditions specified in its consent orders.Following these findings, the TGPCB issued a show-cause notice on June 9. Representatives of the company appeared before the board’s task force committee on July 14 and submitted their explanation.However, the board noted that the company had not filed an appeal against the non-consideration of its CFO renewal application through the prescribed online mechanism.Citing unauthorised operations and environmental violations, the member secretary issued closure directions under Section 33A of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.The order warned that continued operation in violation of the directions could result in prosecution. Under Section 41(2) of the Water Act, non-compliance may attract imprisonment ranging from one-and-a-half to six years, along with a fine.
