A report by Central Pollution Control Board of India (CPCB) states that in 19 states of the country there are 637 tire pyrolysis plants out of which over 1/3 are not complying with the regulations. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has instructed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to manage the import of end-of-life tires for use in pyrolysis industry. NGT’s Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel asserts that unsanctioned tire pyrolysis operations ubiquitously used in India cause severe air pollution in the country and also impact health of workers of the plants.

“The matter is covered by the Hazardous Waste Management Rules, there is a need for restrictions on imports and to regulate the location of such units in the light of the carrying capacity of the area. Accordingly, the CPCB may issue appropriate directions on the subject after due consideration of the issue. The directions should also deal with the restrictions on imports so as to ensure that India does not become a dump yard for highly polluting hazardous waste material from other countries and also to ensure that the health of the workers involved in the process is duly safeguarded,” said Mr. Goel.

CPCB’s record from July 31, 2019, was provided to the NGT during the hearing that shows that in 19 states of the country, out of 637 tire pyrolysis units over 270 do not comply with environmental regulations, 251 units comply, and 116 units have been closed down.

In majority of the cases, it was seen that the cause of non-compliance was not abiding by the norms that are set by Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of the Ministry of Environment and Forests. The action has been initiated against the non-compliance in the form of closure directions. Moreover, authorities decided to let CPCB monitor the compliance and file the status and compliance report on or before November 30.

Article by CPCB, Tyre Dekho.