Govt Says Ratnagiri Plant Using Italian Machinery Is Operating Within Approved Standards

Govt Says Ratnagiri Plant Using Italian Machinery Is Operating Within Approved Standards

Govt Clarifies Compliance Status

The Union and Maharashtra governments have stated that the Ratnagiri industrial plant under scrutiny is operating within all approved environmental and regulatory standards. The clarification came after concerns were raised over the origin of machinery installed at the facility.

Officials said inspections and compliance reviews conducted so far indicate that the unit is functioning strictly within the limits set by pollution control authorities.

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Political Allegations Trigger Row

The issue gained attention after political leaders, including NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar, alleged that the plant had imported machinery from an Italian company previously linked to environmental pollution cases.

He claimed that the equipment could potentially emit hazardous “forever chemicals,” commonly known as PFAS, raising alarm among local communities about long-term health and environmental risks.

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State Govt Rejects Pollution Claims

Responding to the allegations, Maharashtra Industries Minister Uday Samant dismissed fears of toxic emissions. He said the Ratnagiri facility is not manufacturing the specific PFAS compounds being mentioned in public discourse.

According to the state government, the plant has secured all required environmental clearances and operating consents before commencing production.

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Company and Regulatory Oversight

Authorities emphasized that the company is functioning under strict regulatory monitoring. Pollution control bodies are tasked with regularly reviewing emission levels, waste management systems, and chemical handling processes.

Officials added that any industrial unit found violating consent conditions would face immediate action, including penalties or suspension of operations.

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Why PFAS Concerns Emerged

PFAS chemicals have drawn global scrutiny due to past contamination incidents, particularly in parts of Europe, including Italy. Environmental activists say those cases involved long-term groundwater and soil pollution.

Because the Ratnagiri plant uses machinery linked to a firm associated with those historic incidents, public suspicion intensified — even though direct evidence of similar emissions in India has not been established.

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Ongoing Monitoring and Testing

Government sources said environmental monitoring around the plant is ongoing. Air and water samples are being reviewed to ensure compliance with prescribed safety thresholds.

Officials also indicated that further inspections or independent audits could be conducted if new complaints or scientific data warrant deeper examination.

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Local Concerns Persist

Despite government assurances, some residents and activists remain cautious. They have demanded transparent disclosure of emission data, third-party environmental testing, and long-term health impact assessments.

Community groups say such steps are necessary to build trust and address fears linked to the plant’s foreign machinery origins.

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The Road Ahead

For now, the government maintains that the Ratnagiri unit is operating within approved norms and poses no verified environmental threat. However, authorities have acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue and signaled continued vigilance.

As scrutiny continues, the focus will remain on scientific evidence, regulatory compliance, and transparent communication to ensure both industrial growth and environmental safety are balanced.