Date:30/06/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/06/30/stories/2005063001210200.htm

Back Bengal to use sensory tech to tackle pollution

Our Bureau

Kolkata , June 29

THE West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) is planning to utilise IT and sensory technology in tackling air pollution created by sponge iron units.

The agency is now developing a software, which will be embedded in the pollution control equipment of the sponge iron units and will notify the PCB authorities whenever such equipment is not being used.

Also following in the footsteps of the developed countries, WBPCB will install sensors in the chimneys of such units, which will keep track of the pollution level and send messages to the PCB authorities if the emission level crosses the permissible level.

According to the WBPCB Chairman, Mr Sudip Banerjee, though almost all the 38 sponge iron units in the State have adequate installed pollution control equipment, they are not averse to taking advantage of the lack of modernisation at the PCB end by keeping the equipment idle during the night to save on the energy bill.

A recent study by the pollution control body revealed that such malpractices resulted in a savings of Rs 5-12 lakh a month for the sponge iron units concerned.

The resulting adverse impact on the environment was estimated to be close to Rs 10 crore.