Dhanbad: Dhanbad is among the 102 cities with poor air quality selected by the Center in 2019 under the National Clean Air Programme. The programme aims to reduce the concentration of particulate matter (PM-10) and PM-2.5 in the air by 30 per cent by 2024. Jharkhand State Pollution Board (JSPCB) Member Secretary YK Das said that although air quality in the district has improved over the years due to various measures taken by the board, there will be a ban on setting up new hard or soft coal units.
To combat air pollution in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad district, there will be a ban on setting up new hard or soft coal units from October 1. An official of the State Pollution Board gave this information. The Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB) issued an order in this regard earlier in the week.
Das said that this is a temporary stop. He said that the ban will continue till the air quality index in Dhanbad district does not come within the limits set by the Central Pollution Control Board. He said that this order will not affect the existing hard or soft coal units in the district. He said that these units will continue to function as per the guidelines.
According to the Industries and Commerce Association (ICA) of Dhanbad, there are about 125 hard and 25 soft coal units in the district. ICA President BN Singh said that this decision will not affect hard coal units. He said that the industry is already going through a bad phase due to lack of supply of coal. Out of a total of 125, only 90 units are currently operational.