Question : FUNCTIONING OF FACTORIES IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS



(a) whether factories are being run in the residential areas of metropolitans;

(b) if so, the details of provisions in force in this regard;

(c) the details of action taken under these provisions in metropolitan cities during the last three years;

(d) whether the said provisions have not been implemented as per rules in many States;and

(e) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF THE STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)

(a) to (e) The siting and functioning of industries in residential, non-residential and commercial areas is governed by the respective State Industrial Policies as well as the Master Plans of Metropolitan Cities. The criteria for siting of industries are governed based on the power consumption, water consumption and the fuel used for production processes. By and large, the polluting industries in residential areas are totally prohibited. As per the Master Plan, hazardous/obnoxious industries are not permitted in residential areas. For instance, in Delhi, ‘H’ category of industries have been prohibited for their operation in residential areas and have been shifted. The municipal authorities in metropolitan cities in accordance with the Master Plans grant the clearances and the concerned State Pollution Control Boards grant the consent under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.