NGT To Regulate Import Of Waste Tyres In India

A report by CPCB states that in 19 states of the country there are 637 tyre pyrolysis units out of which 270 are not complying by the rules

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has instructed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to manage the import of unwanted tyres for use in pyrolysis industry. A bench was commanded by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel stating that the pyrolysis process comprises of high levels of pollution and also puts an impact on the health of the workers who are involved in the operation.

"The matter is covered by the Hazardous Waste Management Rules, there is a need for restrictions on imports and to regulate the location of such units in the light of the carrying capacity of the area. Accordingly, the CPCB may issue appropriate directions on the subject after due consideration of the issue. The directions should also deal with the restrictions on imports so as to ensure that India does not become a dump yard for highly polluting hazardous waste material from other countries and also to ensure that the health of the workers involved in the process is duly safeguarded," said the bench.

A CPCB record dated on July 31, 2019, was provided to the bench during the hearing that shows that in 19 states of the country, there are 637 tyre pyrolysis units present. The report stated that out of 637 tyre pyrolysis units, 270 units are not complying, 251 units are complying, and 116 units are closed.

In majority of the cases, it was seen that the cause of non-compliance was not abiding by the norms that are set by Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of the Ministry of Environment and Forests. The action has been initiated against the non-compliance in the form of closure directions. Moreover, the bench said, "Let CPCB monitor the compliance and file the status and compliance report on or before November 30 by email."