SRINAGAR: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Tuesday informed the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly that cement plants using petroleum coke (pet coke) as feedstock will install advanced pollution-control systems to reduce emissions and comply with environmental norms.
Replying to a Calling Attention Motion moved by MLA Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi regarding the continued use of pet coke by cement factories in the Khrew-Khanmoh area and its alleged impact on human and animal health, Choudhary said the proposed measures include installation of Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems with sulphur removal efficiency of over 90 per cent, along with alkaline scrubbers and Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs).
The deputy chief minister, who also holds the Industries and Commerce portfolio, said the department’s role is primarily facilitative, while monitoring and enforcement of pollution-control norms fall under the statutory jurisdiction of the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC).
He told the House that industrial units and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are registered through the concerned District Industries Centres after fulfilling requirements prescribed under the industrial policy, including obtaining consent to establish and operate from the JKPCC.
Citing information received from the pollution control body, Choudhary said the use of pet coke as feedstock is governed by the Jammu and Kashmir Pet Coke Furnace Oil Policy issued by the Industries and Commerce Department.
He said the policy permits the use of pet coke in industries where it is used as feedstock, including calcined pet coke and aluminium industries, or where it is absorbed during the manufacturing process, such as cement kilns and calcium carbide units, in accordance with Supreme Court directions.
The deputy chief minister said cement plants using pet coke are required to comply with several safeguards, including obtaining authorisation under the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016, as the sulphur content in pet coke exceeds five per cent.
He further informed the House that such units have been directed not to store pet coke beyond three months’ consumption requirements and to procure it only from registered dealers.
