Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding prohibiting use of petcoke and furnace oil as fuel, 28/03/2019
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Sumit Kumar Vs State of Himachal Pradesh & Others dated 28/03/2019 regarding prohibiting use of petcoke and furnace oil as fuel.
NGT says that it is a well established fact that use of petcoke and furnace oil by the industries leads to huge emission of SO2 and other pollutants. Further NGT accepts the report submitted by CPCB which says "regarding use of petcoke and FO in light of Supreme Court order dated 24.10.2017 (banning use of petcoke and FO in NCR States) and 17.11.2017 (suggesting States/UTs to take similar measures) and further Supreme Court order dated 13.12.2017, 05.02.2018 and 26.07.2017 allowing use of petcoke in industries/processes which use petcoke and furnace oil either as feed stock (Calcined Pet Coke (CPC) units, Aluminum industries) or where they get absorbed along with product in manufacturing process (cement, lime kiln, calcium carbide industries). It is relevant to mention that use of Raw Petroleum Coke (RPC) in CPC units has been allowed with condition of 90% recovery of SO2 emission. The same principal may be followed in industrial processes where use of FO as feed stock is considered by States/UTs.”
CPCB has been directed to issue appropriate directions in this regard to the concerned States and Union Territories indicating coercive measures against those who fail to comply with the directions. Response of the States be taken and compiled within two months and further action proposed by way of a report to this Tribunal before the next date (04/07/2019).