West Bengal has the highest number of red category industries causing
high pollution, followed by Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, while 43
industrial clusters have been identified as “critically polluted”, the
Lok Sabha was informed on Monday.
The Union Minister for Environment and Forests, Ms Jayanthi Natarajan,
said during Question Hour that the Central Pollution Control Board
(CPCB) and IIT-Delhi had conducted a survey based on Comprehensive
Environmental Pollution Index (CEPI) for assessment of pollution load of
industrial areas.
“The survey was conducted in 88 major industrial clusters in the
country. Out of these, 43 industrial clusters have been identified as
critically polluted,” she said.
The Ministry maintained that three categories — red, orange and green —
have been established to measure the pollution caused by industries.
Ms Natarajan said West Bengal has 12,810 red category industries, followed by Maharashtra with 12,184 and Tamil Nadu, 11,650.
To a question, Ms Natarajan said in Bihar a moratorium on industries has
been put only in the East Singhbhum district on grounds of excess
pollution.
To a question on polluting industries in Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu, she
said the moratorium has been lifted when levels have fallen. However, in
Manali industrial cluster of Chennai, the moratorium continues as
reduction in pollution levels is not satisfactory.
Mr Yashwant Sinha (BJP) asked if any step was being taken to deal with
coal pollution in Jharkhand. He said Jharkhand is the only State where
the number of red category industries is much higher than orange and
green industries. He also expressed concern over pollution affecting the
Damodar river and insisted that the river is on the verge of
extinction.
Ms Natarajan assured the House that a team would be sent to the area to
look into the matter and suggest appropriate action. She also said
efforts would be made to transport only washed coal when the destination
is more than 500 km. She acknowledged that pollution of Damodar is an
ongoing problem and action is needed.
Mr Tapas Pal (Trinamool) demanded action to deal with pollution caused by sponge iron treatment in Purulia area of West Bengal.
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