Status note by the CPCB regarding storage and disposal of carbon slurry by fertilizer industries, 21/01/2024
Status note by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in Original Application No 620 of 2022 (Kaushal Kishore Vishwakarma Vs State of Punjab & Others) dated 21/02/2024.
The NGT, Principal Bench vide order, January 8, 2024 (Original Application No 620/2022) directed the CPCB to obtain the requisite information from Hindustan Urvarak and Rasayan Ltd. Jharkhand regarding generation and disposal of carbon slurry and also to verify the factual position regarding storage and disposal of carbon slurry in its plant by any similar industries in their jurisdiction.
In compliance with the NGT order, the CPCB issued directions to all state pollution control boards and pollution control committees on January 1, 2024 to verify the factual position regarding storage and disposal of carbon slurry by nitrogenous and complex fertilizers producing industries or any other industry in their jurisdiction.
CPCB has received replies on the matter from the State Pollution Control Boards/Pollution Control Committees of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Daman Diu and Nagaland. The SPCBs/PCC have informed that present there are no carbon slurry generating fertilizer industries and the quantity of carbon slurry that is yet to be disposed of by fertilizer industries in their states is nil. Reminders have been issued to remaining SPCBs to submit their reports.
The CPCB also obtained the requisite information from Hindustan Urvarak and Rasayan regarding generation and disposal of carbon slurry. The unit has submitted that its process of manufacturing urea is based on natural gas feedstock and does not generate carbon slurry in the process of manufacturing urea fertilizer.