Why in News?

  • A report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) stated that India still lacks national standards for Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) emissions from steel plant stacks.
  • The report highlighted the case of the Bokaro Steel Plant (SAIL) in Jharkhand, which is significantly affecting child health and local air quality.

WHAT IS THE KEY ISSUE?

  • India does not have specific national SO2 emission standards for many steel production units, such as:
    • Sinter Plants
    • Mill Zones
    • Refractory Material Plants
  • These units are recognised sources of SO2 emissions, but regulatory limits are absent.
  • This regulatory gap can increase air pollution exposure for nearby populations.

HEALTH IMPACT OF BOKARO STEEL PLANT

  • According to the Health Impact Assessment (HIA) conducted by CREA, the plant’s emissions caused significant health effects.
Impact on Children (Per Year)
  • 270 Low Birthweight Births
  • 280 Preterm Births
  • 25 New Cases of Child Asthma
Impact on Adults
  • Around 170 deaths annually linked to exposure to 5 and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
  • About 290 asthma-related emergency hospital visits

ECONOMIC IMPACT

  • Air pollution from the plant also causes economic losses.
  • Around 123,000 workdays lost annually due to pollution-related illnesses
  • Estimated economic burden of about US$80 million (₹640 crore) in 2023
  • This reflects lost productivity and healthcare costs.

REASONS FOR HIGH IMPACT

  • The report highlighted several issues:
    • Heavy use of Coal and Coke in steel production
    • Incomplete installation of Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs)
    • Continued use of Outdated Cyclone Dust Collectors
  • Out of six sinter stack ducts, only two have modern pollution-control equipment.

STEEL SECTOR AS A MAJOR POLLUTER

  • The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classifies the steel industry as one of the 17 Highly Polluting Industries in India.
  • Key facts:
    • Current steel production capacity: ~200 million tonnes per year
    • Planned capacity by 2030: 300 million tonnes
    • India accounts for 57% of global coal-based steelmaking capacity under development
  • This indicates rapid expansion with significant pollution risks.

WEAK MONITORING & TRANSPARENCY

  • In 2014, CPCB mandated installation of Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) in highly polluting industries.
  • However, problems remain:
    • Incomplete implementation of CEMS
    • Poor calibration and regulation
    • Limited public access to emission data
    • Lack of historical pollution records
  • This reduces transparency and accountability.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

  • Experts warn that rapid expansion of steel production may lead to:
    • Increased Air Pollutant Emissions
    • Higher Greenhouse Gas Emissions
    • Greater Environmental Degradation
  • Without stricter regulations, India risks following a “Pollute Now, Clean Later” industrial model.
IMPORTANCE OF STRONGER REGULATION Experts recommend:
  • Setting National SO2 Emission Standards for Steel Plants
  • Strengthening Pollution Monitoring Systems
  • Increasing Data Transparency
  • Promoting Cleaner Steel Production Technologies
This is essential to protect Public Health and Environment. CONCLUSION The CREA report on Bokaro Steel Plant highlights a broader national issue — weak pollution standards in India’s steel sector. As India expands steel production, it is crucial to introduce strict emission standards, transparent monitoring, and cleaner technologies to prevent long-term health, environmental and economic damage.