Raj govt decides not to ban use of pet coke as fuel

The Rajasthan government has decided not to put a ban on the use of pet coke, a final carbon-rich solid material used as a source of energy, by the industries in the state.
The state environment department took the decision after examining the National Green Tribunal's (NGT) order and in consultation with the Rajasthan Pollution Control Board.
"The decision not to ban pet coke was taken while looking at the environmental structure of the state. It will benefit a large number of small and medium scale units," an official release said here today.
Pet coke is increasingly being used as one of the major alternative fuels, replacing coal due to its high net calorific value, especially by the cement industries, and low cost as compared to coal.

The state's cement, textile and other industrial units will be benefited by the government's decision.
The NGT, in its decision in May, had directed the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest and all state governments to decide within two months whether the pet coke wasan approved fuel as per the environmental laws.