(a) whether the Government is aware that several cement factories situated in the country particularly in Gujarat and Chhattisgarh are spreading pollution by emitting calcium;
(b) if so, whether the Government has taken any steps to check this pollution; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS
(SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN)
(a) to (c). There are 158 large cement plants in the country, of which, 13 and 7 plants are located in Gujarat and Chhattisgarh respectively. Emission standards for particulate matter in cement industry have been notified. Compliance of these standards is monitored regularly by the state pollution control board concerned. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) also undertakes monitoring periodically under Environment Surveillance Squad Scheme. As per CPCB, one plant in Gujarat and two plants in Chhattisgarh are not complying with the emission standards. Directions under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 have been issued by the CPCB to two cement plants in Chhattisgarh to upgrade the air pollution control devices in a time bound manner whereas, directions under Section 31 ‘A’ of the Air Act, 1981 have been issued in case of one non-compliant plant in Gujarat by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board.