Follow Central Pollution Control Board guidelines, appeals MPCB Chairman
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 04 2025: Chairman of Manipur Pollution Control Board Dr Usham Deben has urged everyone to follow the new guidelines and instructions issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) surrounding the operation ofbrick fields and stone crushing units.

The Chairman made the appeal during a press briefing held today at Manipur Pollution Control Board office at Lamphel in connection with the newly issued guidelines of the CPCB to reduce environmental pollution.

Speaking to media persons, Dr Usham Deben warned that individuals found operating brick fields, stone crushing units and clinics while violating the new -guidelines of the CPCB will face strict action.

He said that the new instructions were issued to combat the impacts of degrading environment and widespread pollution on human health.

As per the guidelines, all new brick kilns will be allowed only with zig-zag technology or vertical shaft or use of piped natural gas as fuel in brick making.

This should be implemented within one and a half years from now, said the Chairman, MPCB.

Aside from this, brick fields should be located at least 800 metres away from residential areas and two brick fields should be at least 1 km apart in distance.

With regards to stone crushing units, the GI/MS/brick wind breaking wall should be 3 feet or more higher than the highest node of the crusher machine along the periphery of the crusher.

To prevent dust pollution, a green belt should be created with three rows of tall trees planted around the periphery of the crusher.

Additionally, mechanisms for regular water sprinkling should be arranged with water sprinkler systems, foggers, anti smog guns etc, informed Dr Usham Deben.

The Manipur Pollution Control Board will carry out stringent inspections to assess whether the new guidelines are being followed at all stone crushing units and brick fields.

Firms with doubts regarding the guidelines can visit the office of the Board for the necessary information, he maintained.

Notably, the Chairman informed that show cause notice has been issued to 22 private health care units who were operating without Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) .

It may be noted here that ETP is a facility that cleans industrial waste water before it is released into the environment.

ETPs.

use physical, chemical, and biological processes to remove contaminants.

Dr Usham Deben also assured to look into why ETPs have not started operating at 28 different Government health centres.

He also said that the Board will continue to enforce the ban on single use plastics and half-litre water bottles with the support of relevant departments.

The Central Pollution Control Board has sanctioned the setting up of 75 Water Quality Monitoring Stations across the State.

Separately, a proposal will be sent to increase the number of Water Quality Monitoring Stations, he added.

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