Javadekar advocates self regulation for industry on pollution control

Giving more freedom to the industry, the government is ready to implement a self-regulation mechanism on pollution control for as many industries as possible if they are willing to create responsible institutions.

Speaking at a chemical industry conclave here on Monday, Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said it had been decided that if the pollution load in the chemical industry does not go up, then the firms need not approach the Ministry for regular clearances. That requirement will only arise if their pollution load goes up.

He said the chemical industry, which has a global market share of 5 per cent, can go upto 10 per cent. In such a scenario, Javadekar said the Modi government wants to trust its industries and give self-regulation on pollution standards to as many industries as possible if there are adequate safeguards with institutions of "responsible care".

Citing an example of such "responsible care", the Environment Minister said the sale and use of firecrackers this Diwali was down by 75 per cent because the people, especially children, decided not to use them.

"We are not in favour of government regulating everything. The government is ready to delegate regulation on pollution control to the stakeholders," he said.

About plastic usage, the Minister clarified that "no plastic" was not the government's intent, rather it wanted to find a solution to the problems of inadequate collection and plastic waste management.

On electronic waste management, he said 60 crore mobile phones are added to the system every year, and the problem needs to be dealt with from the waste management standpoint.

He urged the industry to promote sustainable development and self-regulatory mechanisms to avoid regulation by the government.

( With inputs from IANS )