Union Government notified stricter standards for Sugar Industry to minimize water pollution

Union Ministry Environment, Forest and Climate Change had notified stricter environment rules for sugar industries in various states of the country to minimize water pollution. The revised norms will lead to improved operational performance of Sugar industry through accomplishment of wastewater discharge and conservation standards and pollution control management protocol.

Key Highlights

• These rules are to be implemented with instantaneous effect with aimed to minimize water pollution.
• Rules lead to improved operational performance of sugar industries through implementation of wastewater discharge standards and waste water conservation and pollution control management protocol.
• Single outlet point from unit has been allowed to encourage operational efficiency and treated effluent recycling practices.
• Waste water discharge standards have been made stricter, by limiting the same to 200 liter per ton of crushed cane, as against the previous limit of 400 liter per ton.
• The final treated waste matter discharge has been restricted to 100 liter per ton of cane crushed and waste water from spray pond overflow, or cooling tower blow down to be restricted to 100 liter per ton of cane crushed.
• The Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) will also be stabilized one month earlier to the start of crushing season and will continue to operate up to one month after the end of crushing season.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recommend the rules after consultations with industries and other stakeholders, as well as seeking comments from general public.