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MoEF launches online pollution monitoring

Environment minister Prakash Javadekar informed on Tuesday, till now, 920 industries have installed 24x7 monitoring devices out of 2,800 industries to which directions were issued.

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The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) on Tuesday launched its 24x7 online monitoring of emissions and effluents from industries that belong to 17 critically pollution sectors even as nearly 50 per cent of identified industries are yet to install the monitoring systems. MoEFCC had identified a total of 3,216 industries last December, which were asked to fit 24x7 online monitoring devices.

Environment minister Prakash Javadekar informed on Tuesday, till now, 920 industries have installed 24x7 monitoring devices out of 2,800 industries to which directions were issued. The minister also added that 400 units are in the process of moving towards zero liquid discharge model. The 920 industries who have installed the GPS based online monitoring devices would be connected to servers of the state pollution control boards. In the case of some industries, such as distilleries, the environment ministry has also asked them the install closed-circuit television cameras to monitor the treatment of spent wash.

Based on the data of the online monitoring, if any industry is found to be crossing safe standards of emissions or effluents, they would be sent SMS alerts. The online monitoring device has been intended to collate sound data on the pollution generated by industries and to end inspector raj. But, the minister did not make it clear if the state departments had enough manpower and logistical backup to sustain monitoring of compliance.

Earlier this month, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) met with various industrial associations across sectors, to take stock of the progress of online monitoring. During the meeting, many associations had requested for the deadline of installing online monitoring devices to be extended till September.

CPCB had pushed ahead the deadline only for mini cement plants, refineries and petrochemical industries and common bio-medical treatment facilities. Explaining the decision, Javadekar said, "Petrochemical industries, refineries, thermal plants would be able to complete the installations when the plants are shut down in the scheduled cycle. Hence, we have granted them an extension."

Of the 630 units situated on the banks of River Ganga, 80 units have already installed devices while 30 have placed orders. There are 440 tanneries in the 630 units and for controlling and treating their effluents, the Central Leather Research Institute is preparing a detailed project report, Javadekar said.

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