What are air pollution norms for Patna factories under Bihar law?

Detailed Legal Analysis

The air pollution norms for factories in Patna are governed by both national and state legislation, with the central law being the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and state regulations under the Bihar Pollution Control Board guidelines.

Key regulations and requirements for factories regarding air pollution in Patna include:

• Registration and Consent: Factories must obtain consent to operate under Section 25 of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. This involves:
• Submitting an application to the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB).
• Providing details about the processes, emissions, and pollution control measures in place.
• Paying the requisite fees for processing the application.
• Emission Standards: Factories must comply with the emission standards set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the BSPCB. These standards specify permissible limits for various pollutants, including:
• Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5).
• Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2).
• Sulfur Dioxide (SO2).
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
• Monitoring and Reporting: Factories are required to monitor their emissions and report regularly to the BSPCB. This includes:
• Installation of Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) to track emissions in real-time.
• Submitting annual reports on emission levels and compliance status.
• Punitive Measures: Non-compliance with air pollution norms can result in penalties under Section 37 of the Air Act, which may include:
• Fines that can extend to INR 1 lakh, and in case of continuing offence, an additional fine for each day.
• Closure of the factory until compliance is achieved.
• Imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months for contraventions.
• Environmental Clearance: Some industries may require an environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) as per the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006.

In conclusion, factories in Patna must adhere to strict air pollution norms as outlined by national and state legislation, ensuring that they operate within the permissible limits for emissions to protect public health and the environment.