Morbi: The Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) has issued closure notices to seven ceramic factories in Morbi district after finding them using banned petroleum coke (petcoke) during surprise inspections. Heavy fines have also been imposed on the erring units.

According to officials, intensive checks were carried out three days ago at 15 ceramic factories. Of these, seven were found violating pollution control norms by using petcoke as fuel. The action comes within days of a newly appointed GPCB officer assuming charge in Morbi.

The factories served with closure orders include:

-One unit each on Lilapar Road and Jambudiya Road

-Two units on Mattel Road in Wankaner

-Three units on Pipli Road

Officials confirmed that Kasurwan Ceramics was among the fined factories.

Sources said this is the first time closure notices have been issued within just four days of inspections, as such orders are usually served after two weeks or more. The swift action has created unease in Morbi’s ceramic industry, where several units reportedly rely on cheaper fuel option petcoke despite its ban due to severe environmental hazards.