Some cement units may not need environment NOC

{ MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT FLOATS PROPOSAL } STANDALONE UNITS

- Jayashree Nandi

The Union environment ministry has proposed to exempt from obtaining prior environmental clearance standalone cement grinding units which do not have captive power plantsand transport raw materials and finished products either through the railways or electric vehicles.

Ina September 26 draft notification, the ministry said standalone grinding units which do not undertake calcination and clinkerisation have lower carbon emissions, generate less waste and utilise less energy due to absence of high temperature processes, as compared to cement plants. In addition, transportation of raw materials and finished products via trains and e-vehicles further reduces the release of pollutants.