The National Green Tribunal (NGT) bench in Pune directs the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to formulate rules and regulations within a year, aimed at establishing standards and measures for addressing odour pollution caused by chemical industries.
The directive follows an application by Mumbai-based activist Rajiv Sinha, highlighting the odour pollution emanating from industrial units located in Taloja MIDC, an area that houses several chemical, pharmaceutical, and engineering plants.
Background of the Case and Previous Recommendations
The issue of odour pollution was initially raised in 2008 when a CPCB-constituted expert committee recommended steps for mitigating odour emissions from industrial units.
However, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) noted in a recent affidavit that the CPCB’s 2008 guidelines were not enforceable as rules, as they merely served as recommendations.
On November 21, MPCB representatives clarified that no specific rules had been established regarding odour pollution control.
NGT’s Response and Directions
In response to this, the NGT issued a set of directives for Taloja MIDC.
The tribunal instructed the corporation to implement necessary systems within six months. It also mandated the installation of aerators and a screening mechanism within 18 months.
The MPCB was directed to address waste management issues at the CIDCO dumping ground. This should be done by collaborating with Mumbai Waste Management Ltd. and CIDCO.
The tribunal emphasized the need for comprehensive research and the framing of rules, tasks that fall under the CPCB’s purview.
The NGT directs CPCB, the regulatory authority, to finalize these rules within a year. Meanwhile, it ensures that the recommended actions continue in the interim.
CPCB’s 2008 Guidelines on Odour Pollution
According to CPCB’s 2008 guidelines, odour pollution is a complex issue, described as a sensory response to chemicals present in the air.
In severe cases, exposure to such pollution can lead to symptoms like nausea, headaches, and stress-related reactions.
The guidelines stress that air quality is affected by conventional pollutants. They also highlight that unpleasant odours contribute to environmental pollution, making them a serious issue.
The guidelines further propose that authorities develop ambient air standards for odour pollution once sufficient data is available.
They recommend establishing source-specific emission standards for industries known to emit odorous substances.
These include pulp and paper mills, fertiliser and pesticide factories. They also include tanneries, sugar and distillery plants, and chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
MPCB’s Actions and Ongoing Efforts
The MPCB has issued directions to various stakeholders. These include MIDC, CIDCO, the Panvel municipal corporation, and operators of municipal solid waste (MSW) facilities, following recent developments.
As reported by timesofindia.indiatimes.com, the actions are part of a broader effort to address odour pollution in the region. They aim to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
