Haryana Pollution Control Board prohibits establishing new pyrolysis plants

The Haryana Sate Pollution Control Board has prohibited setting up of new pyrolysis plants in the state till a study regarding its effects on health and environment is completed.

An official spokesman said here today that the decision of prohibition on these plants --extracting fuel oil from waste rubber tyres -- was taken in the 180th meeting of the Board held recently.

He said there were 82 such plants operating in Jind, Bhiwani, Panchkula, Kaithal, Mahendergarh, Sonipat, Jhajjar, Yamuna Nagar, Karnal, Fathehabad, Hisar and Ambala districts of the state.

The spokesman said the carbon particles emitting from these plants were very harmful to human respiratory system if proper control measures were not adopted.

"Complaints have been received through 'CM Window' web portal and district administrations from the people living near these plants regarding the spread of air and water pollution and odour nuisance," he said.

A few accidents have also occurred in such plants due to inappropriate operation of pyrolysis reactor as well as due to inadequate pollution abatement and safety measures adopted by these plants, he further said.

The spokesman said a study is being conducted through an agency with special emphasis on local effects caused on health and environment and increase in air pollution.

"The board has asked for completion of the study within six months," he added.