Home / Environment / Govt: Ratnagiri Plant Meets Standards Amid Pollution Worries
Govt: Ratnagiri Plant Meets Standards Amid Pollution Worries
5 Feb
Summary
- Union Environment Ministry confirms plant operations within standards.
- Machinery procured from Italian firm Miteni, previously linked to pollution.
- No specific environmental regulation currently bans PFAS manufacturing.
Concerns have been raised by locals and politicians in Maharashtra regarding a unit of Laxmi Organic Industries Limited in Ratnagiri. Allegations suggest the plant is operating with machinery acquired from Miteni, an Italian company previously associated with wastewater pollution. In response, the Union Environment Ministry stated on February 5, 2026, that the company's operations are within consented standards.
The ministry informed Rajya Sabha that Maharashtra State Pollution Control Board confirmed the effluent and air pollution control systems are operational. Hazardous waste is managed scientifically and disposed of according to procedures. Joint Vigilance Sample results from November 4, 2025, indicated compliance with standards. Laxmi Organic Industries procured manufacturing infrastructure from Miteni spa, Italy, between 2021 and 2022.
Locals had previously protested, seeking details on environmental safeguards. The company, in its March 2021 prospectus, mentioned acquiring Miteni Assets, including plant, equipment, and patents, through an auction in June 2019 for €4.63 million. These fluorospecialty chemicals are utilized in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, aerospace, and automotive sectors. Regarding PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), the ministry stated there is no specific environmental regulation banning their manufacturing, though some PFAS pesticides are under restricted use.
