Sambalpur, April 6: The district administration on Monday sealed the Shyam Metallics plant at Pandloi under Rengali in Sambalpur district, acting on the directives of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). However, office operations have been permitted to continue.

Sources said the company was facing serious allegations of air and water pollution. It was also accused of illegally creating ash dumps without permission and encroaching upon water reservoir land. Following these complaints, the CPCB had earlier issued instructions to shut down the plant from the 30th of last month. Despite the directive, the company reportedly failed to comply.

Acting on the order, officials from the district administration and CPCB reached the site early in the morning. The main gate of the plant was locked under tight security before the unit was formally sealed. Employees engaged in office work have been allowed entry upon showing valid ID cards.

Meanwhile, there is no clarity on the duration of the closure. Neither the company nor the authorities have issued any official statement regarding the action.