In a first, Surat to run emission trading scheme

SURAT: Industrial units of textile city Surat will become the first in India to run an emission trading scheme (ECS) locally.
As a part of pilot project by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and union ministry of environment and forests, nearly 500 units located in and around Surat will trade for particulate matter. Those exceeding the limits will be fined but those who perform better will be rewarded, much akin to the way carbon credits are traded.
In order to monitor the particulate matter, Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) will install continuous emission monitoring samplers (CEMS) on the chimneys of 300 mills in coming two months. These devices will continuously monitor the emission and release of sulphar dioxide and nitrogen apart from particulate matter.
"We will complete the installation of CEMS by December and in the next three months, the modalities for an exchange to trade the credits will be finalized. By next financial year, the platform for trading should be ready," said Hardik Shah, member secretary, Gujarat Pollution Control Board.
"CPCB has decided to implement ECS in three states - Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu in the first phase and has chosen Surat for pilot project to regulate air pollution levels," said Anil Patel, regional officer, GPCB in Surat. Most textile units in the city use coal or lignite as fuel, which generates dust pollution.
The yearly particulate matter average in Pandesara is pegged at 200-225 milligrams per liter and that in Sachin is 251. The prescribed level for industries for release of particulate matter is 150 milligrams per liter.
Industry has welcomed the scheme saying if those who cause less pollution are rewarded
"In the coming days, some sample installations would be made in the city," said Jitu Vakharia , president Pandesara Green Environment and Water Welfare Co-operative Society Ltd, a part of industrial association that looks after the environment aspects.
"This is a beneficial scheme for all. Mill owners will be able to exactly know how much they emit and pollute. They will be able to regulate their emission which will ultimately result in reduction in pollution," said KamalVijay Tulsiyan of JR Dyeing in Pandesara.
In the past, carbon trading and carbon credit programme that started on world level did not evoke major enthusiasm in the city but this scheme is welcomed by the industry and is willing to adopt it and participate in it.