Grasim officials in Mumbai said that it would be a "temporary closure of the plant for just about two days" during which some additional equipment will be added to comply with the state pollution norms.

The officials added that this will be to satisfy the authorities as the facility "strictly complies with every environment norm". They also said that none of the 3,000-odd workers, in the pulp-making and viscose staple fibre (VSF) facility, who also live in the adjacent villages, have been reported sick.

The order assumes significance as it has come at a time when the raging public agitation demanding the closure of all the plants of Grasim did not even spare the KSPCB, criticising it of being "toosoft" towards the Grasim.

However, Grasim officials in Mavoor said they were expecting delivery of the order today and would take a final decision only after going through its contents.

Asked if the company was proposing to challenge the order legally, the officials said "If it is sustainable, we will go for it. However, a decision will be taken only after studying the order in detail".

The KSPCB has reportedly charged the Grasim with violating pollution control norms and failing to ensure safety at its effluent treatment procedure, resulting in leakage of gas. Grasim has also been told to instal necessary equipment to ensure pollution-free operations.

"Even if the order has to be implemented, we may have to continue the operations for one more week to clear the pending stock," the Grasim officials said. Company officials in Mumbai said that the facility has adequate inventory and the temporary closure will have no negative effect on its revenue.

Grasim officials said that of the ten affected, eighthave already been discharged after preliminary treatment and the remaining two were also only taking "rest" at the hospital.