Pollution Caused by Industries
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has identified 17 categories of highly polluting industries (HPIs) which include thermal power plants, cement plants, distilleries, etc. A total of 2720 industries have been identified as HPIs by CPCB in the country. Out of 2720 HPIs, 2076 units are reportedly complying with the environmental standards whereas, 261 units are closed and 383 units have not provided adequate facilities to comply with the environmental standards.
Giving further details on the matter in Rajya Sabha today Minister of State (I/C) for Environment and Forests Smt. Jayanthi Natarajan said the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) ensure the compliance of environmental standards in an industry under the provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. Under Environmental Surveillance Squad (ESS) scheme, CPCB undertakes inspections of 17 categories of HPIs to seek compliance of environmental standards.
She said in case of non-compliance, directions are issued by CPCB to concerned SPCB under Section 18(1)(b) of the Water Act, 1974 or the Air Act, 1981 to ensure compliance of standards. Actions in the form of show cause notices, closure orders and prosecutions are initiated by the SPCBs against the erring industries. Sometimes, directions are issued directly under section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 by CPCB or by the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
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