84 new units in state to emit 172 mt carbon dioxide

Eighty four industrial projects in Orissa belonging to steel, aluminium and thermal power sector, which received no objection certificate (NoC) from Orissa State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB), are likely to emit 170 million tonne of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when they will be fully commissioned.

These industries were given permission by the OSPCB between 2000-01 and 2008-09, chief minister Naveen Patnaik said. Patnaik said, creation of green belt and afforestation are considered to be the best method to sink the emitted carbon dioxide. The state government has set conditions for all upcoming industries to take up afforestation both inside and outside the plant premises.

He said, most of these units have become functional and the remaining units are likely to be commissioned during the 5 years validity period of the environmental permission granted to them.

On the environment condition in Angul-Talcher area, one of the most polluted areas in the state, Patnaik said, the situation has improved during the last decade. So permitting companies to set up industries in the present situation in that area can not be termed as unjustified.

However, the OSPCB is preparing a Regional Environmental Management Plan (REMP) for the environmental management of the entire area. It is in the final stages, he added.

The chief minister stated, the government collected Rs 1030.12 crore as Net Present Value (NPV) from user industries who sought to use forest land for non-forest uses as per the forest conservation act, 1980.