(a) whether the emission of toxic gases as a result of industrial
development is playing a major role in polluting environment;
(b) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto;
(c) the details of industries identified for emission of toxic gases
in the country by Government; and
(d) the details of annual growth rate of these industries?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS
(SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN)
(a) to (b): Yes, Sir. The emission of toxic gases due to industrial
development is adversely impacting the quality of environment. Central
Pollution Control Board (CPCB), with the State Pollution Control Boards,
is monitoring ambient air quality at 537 locations covering 222 cities/ towns
including 53 metropolitan cities in the country. The steps taken by the
Government to prevent and control environmental pollution include formulation
of policies for abatement of pollution, supply of improved auto-fuel,
tightening of vehicular and industrial emission norms, mandatory environmental
clearance for specified industries, management of municipal, hazardous &
bio-medical wastes, promotion of cleaner technologies, strengthening the
network of air quality monitoring stations, preparation and implementation of
action plans for major cities & critically polluted areas, increasing public
awareness etc.
(c) to (d): Emissions from highly polluted 17-categories of industries
such as Iron and Steel, Cement, Thermal Power Plant, Copper and Lead Smelters,
Aluminum, Fertilizer, Oil Refinery, Petro-Chemicals, etc. play a significant
role in polluting the ambient environment. To control air emissions from these
industries, Government has notified standards for gaseous pollutants released
from such types of industries. Emission standards have been notified for 59
category of industries besides notifying standards for the gensets and the
ambient air quality. Further, these industries are required to comply with
the notified standards. According to the report of the Planning Commission,
during the 10th Five Year Plan, the trends in the Performance of Industrial
Sub-Sectors- Annual Growth Rate was 8.7 %.