Environment panel defers decision on KRIBHCO Shyam project

The Environment Ministry's green panel EAC has deferred the decision to grant environment clearance to the KRIBHCO Shyam Fertilizers for expansion of Rs 4,132 crore ammonia and urea project in Uttar Pradesh, and has sought more information.
The ministry gives environment clearances (EC) to 'A' category projects based on the recommendations of the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC).
"In the recent meeting, the proposal was discussed in detail. The EAC was of the view that its sub-committee should visit the project site to assess the environment compliance of the existing unit and any related issues to be addressed as public hearing was exempted due to the location of project within industrial area," a senior Environment Ministry official said.

The Committee also suggested to the company that it may enter into tie-up with farmers for use of treated effluent. "The proposal was deferred till the desired information is submitted," the official added.
As per the proposal, KRIBHCO Shyam Fertilizers Ltd (KSFL) has sought green clearance for expansion of its plant by adding Ammonia (2,200 tonnes per day (TPD) and urea (3,850 TPD) in Shahjahanpur district in Uttar Pradesh.
The company informed the EAC that it has total existing plot area of 780.75 acres including township. Out of which, area earmarked for greenbelt is 296 acres. No additional land is required. The proposed expansion will be carried out in the existing premises. Total cost of project is Rs 4,132 crore.

The company's existing capacity of ammonia is 1,350 TPD and urea is 2,250 TPD.
In 2008, KSFL had obtained green nod for expansion of its ammonia and urea capacity to 1,950 TPD and 3,130 TPD, respectively, through debottlenecking. However, the company has not implemented the debottlenecking scheme due to techno- economic reasons.