The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climatic Change (MoEF&CC) of the Government of India has released the draft emission standards in respect to Sulphur Dioxide and Nitrous Oxide; after the Supreme Court issuing an order for banning Petcoke ( and Furnace Oil) usage in Delhi/NCR, Rajasthan and UP due to the pollution caused by burning of the fuels in industrial units.
According to the latest emission standards, released by the ministry, 600 mg/N cubic meter of Sulphur Dioxide emission at 6% dry Oxygen for the solid form of fuel; and 3% dry Oxygen for the liquid form of the fuel are permitted.
For Nitrous Oxide emissions, 300 mg/ N cubic meter at 6% dry Oxygen for the solid form of the fuel; and 3% dry Oxygen for the liquid form of the fuel are permitted.
The ministry has mandated the boilers used by the following industries: (1) sugar, (2) cotton textiles, (3) composite wooden mills, (4) synthetic rubber, (5) pulp and paper, (6) distilleries, (7) leather industries, (8) calcium carbide, (9) carbon black, (10) natural rubber, (11) asbestos, ( 12) caustic soda, (13) small boilers, (14) aluminum plants, (15) tannery, (16) inorganic chemical, (17) lime kiln, (18) glass industry, (19) ceramic, (20) foundries and (21) re-heating furnace; will have to adhere to the emission norms.
Moreover, continuous online Sulphur Dioxide emission monitoring systems have to be installed at these industries and that have to be linked with the Central Pollution Control Board for online pollution monitoring, the ministry mandates.
But, what does the issuance of the emission norms subtly suggest? Viewed broadly, it could also be regarded as giving a room for the Supreme Court to at least modify its Petcoke ban by allowing industrial units with pollution control mechanisms to use the fuel.
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