Fugitive emissions from industries and industrial waste dumping are significant contributorsto air pollution in Kota, says new CSE assessment

• Kota, the well-known education and coaching hub in Rajasthan, is also home to about 350 air polluting industries; 200 of these spew out fugitive emissions 
• Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB) jointly conduct workshop to propose a roadmap for improving Kota’s air quality   

For workshop proceedings and e-copy of CSE’s assessment report click here 

Find the Hindi edition of this press release

Kota (Rajasthan), July 24, 2024: Kota, a mineral-rich district, houses a number of mineral- and stone-based industries – many of which cause air pollution. In fact, due to its high air pollution levels, Kota has been listed as a ‘non-attainment city’ by the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) launched in 2019 by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 

A new assessment by New Delhi-based think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has identified fugitive emissions from these industries and industrial waste dumping as the key triggers for air pollution in the district. CSE has now gone ahead to also offer a roadmap for cleaning up Kota’s air. 

A workshop titled “Improving Environmental Performance of Industries in Kota” was conducted jointly here today by CSE and the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB) to lay down this roadmap. The focus of the roadmap is on improving environmental performance of industries and providing better infrastructure in the industrial areas. 

The workshop brought together key players, including representatives from the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB), Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO), the District Industries Centre (DIC), industries, consultancies and industrial associations. 

As per the data provided by the RSPCB, there are approximately 350 air polluting industries (red and orange) in Kota district, out of which 200 are responsible for fugitive emissions. Of the industries responsible for fugitive emissions, 100 are mines, while 42 are stone crushers. 

Says Nivit Yadav, programme director, industrial pollution, CSE: “These sectors, operating in large numbers, generate huge amounts of dust and emissions and need to comply with strict environmental guidelines to reduce their emissions. The dust emanating from these sectors has consistently played a significant role in the escalating air pollution levels in the district—thus, requiring prioritised attention.” 

The meeting was also addressed by Amit Soni, regional officer of RSPCB, who said:“Addressing Kota's air pollution requires robust measures to control fugitive emissions and improve industrial waste management. Collaboration among RSPCB, RIICO and industry is crucial in implementing stringent environmental standards and developing necessary infrastructure for sustainable industrial practices. We envision Kota as a beacon of industrial growth, where pristine environmental conditions prevail with clean air, water, and land. We must not accept environmental degradation as an inevitable outcome of advancement and prosperity. It is crucial that we take resolute action today to safeguard a sustainable future for all.“ 

Shreya Verma, programme manager with CSE’s industrial pollution unit, adds: “Beyond fugitive emissions from industries, the absence of industrial waste management infrastructure leads to open dumping of industrial waste within industrial areas and exacerbates air pollution in Kota, especially the unscientific disposal of stone slurry causes air pollution when it dries and becomes airborne due to moving vehicles. Establishing adequate infrastructure for industrial waste management is imperative at this juncture.” 

According to Shobhit Srivastava, programme manager with CSE’s industrial pollution unit, “stone crusher units are one of the major sources of fugitive emissions nationwide.  Each process of this sector is a source of emissions. Since there is a significant number of crusher units in Kota, there is a need to stress upon improving their environmental performance as per guidelines of the RSPCB.”   

CSE and RSPCB jointly recommend the following measures-

• Control fugitive emissions: All stone crusher units should follow and ensure the implementation of guidelines outlined by the RSPCB. The RSPCB should ensure the installation and working of well-maintained pollution control equipment in all industries. Consent to operate should be withheld if an industry is not complying with the guidelines.
• Develop infrastructure for industrial waste management: Developing industrial waste management infrastructure is essential in mitigating issues related to waste dumping and burning. This infrastructure should encompass various components, including door to-door waste collection services, the establishment of waste storage sites, and the facilitation of direct transfer of recyclable or reusable industrial waste to registered vendors or industries for its utilisation in different applications. A study should be conducted in industrial areas to understand the type and quantity of waste generated. This study will play a pivotal role in enhancing waste circularity and promoting sustainable waste management practices.
• Develop green areas: It is important to develop and maintain green areas, gardens and parks in industrial areas. Plantations can be done on sidewalks to minimise dust generation.
• Enforce use of cleaner fuels: Industries should shift to cleaner fuels (biomass-based), and install proper air pollution control devices.
• Conduct feasibility studies: A study should be initiated to understand the feasibility and timeline of bringing natural gas to industrial areas of Kota. Based on the feasibility study, a time-bound plan should be prepared to make industries switch to natural gas. 

For more information, please contact Shreya Verma of CSE’s industrial pollution unit: shreya@cseindia.org, 8882084294