West Bengal Pollution Control Board developed most intensive air quality monitoring network: Minister Ghulam Rabbani

Kolkata: West Bengal Pollution Control Board has developed the most intensive air quality monitoring network in the country, West Bengal Environment Minister Mohammed Ghulam Rabbani said.

“Industries in West Bengal should ensure regulatory compliance and adopt green technology in production to achieve sustainable growth,” he said.

“Ambient Air Quality is regularly monitored at 83 locations in the state. Department of Environment has also set up 4000 smokeless chulhas around the state,” the state minister said while speaking at a conclave titled “Sustainable Growth Opportunities for Plastics & Chemical Sectors in West Bengal” on Monday organized by Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI) in association with Indian Chemical Council and Indian Plastics Federation.


Rabbani said that West Bengal has the least pollution compared to other states in the country. “Bengal is focusing on biodegradable and recyclable plastics. Industries in West Bengal should ensure regulatory compliance and adopt green technology in production. To achieve the sustainable goal, we need collaboration between Government, Industry and Civil Society,” the minister said at the MCCI Conclave on Plastics & Chemicals.

Calling West Bengal the sixth largest economy in India, the minister said, “The State has huge opportunities for industries specially in plastics and chemicals sector. The state government offers a conducive business environment with adequate infrastructure and skilled labour.”

Under the leadership of the Chief Minister, the businesses will become the backbone of the State and the Government is here to serve them, he added.

Chairman of West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) Kalyan Rudra said, “Plastics waste remains in the soil for 1000 years. In this is the era of plastics, usage of plastics is not sustainable. However, plastics waste should be used as resource and then it can be sustainable.”

Rudra expressed apprehensions that 85% of tap water in Europe and Australia has micro plastics.

Member Secretary-WBPCB Rajesh Kumar said that WBPCB has encouraged the use of biodegradable plastics. “The WBPCB also promotes jute bags and has set up vending machines for cotton bags in several markets,” Kumar said. He also urged people to use jute and cotton bags instead of plastic bags and pointed out that SEBI has mandated that top 1000 companies will submit ESG compliance reports.

Chairman of Indian Chemical Council- Eastern Region Debarshi Duttagupta emphasized the need for responsible core initiative to ensure compliance is important.

Lalit Agrawal, President, Indian Plastics Federation mentioned that in West Bengal there are 5500 polymer producing units and contributing 10% of India’s plastics need.