New dimensions will be established in achieving EPR targets with tyre waste management: Chairman, Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board - Continuous type tyre pyrolysis units be permitted

Chairman of Rajasthan state Pollution Control Board Shikhar Agrawal has said that with the increasing number of vehicles in Rajasthan, tyre waste management has become need of the hour. Appropriate guidelines have been issued to control tyre waste generated pollution by Rajasthan state Pollution Control Board to comply directions of NGT and CPCB.

 Agrawal further added that RSPCB has decided to allow setting up of new tyre pyrolysis unit following continuous process and conversion of existing batch type units to continuous ones with certain caveats. It is expected that this decision will not only enable immediate investment in tyre processing units and proper disposal of tyre waste, but also lead to early achievement of EPR targets and realisation of significant untapped economic value. Shri Agarwal said that after detailed discussion with stakeholders, CPCB and thorough research, this decision have been taken. Along with this, illegal recyclers can also be monitored.

-Approval given for setting up of continuous type tyre pyrolysis units

Vijai N, Member Secretary, Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board issuing an order consent to set up/operate in the state will be given only to continuous type tyre pyrolysis units and not to units running on batch process. Whereas for renewal of consent to operate and authorization of tyre pyrolysis units on batch process will  be permitted only within the designated industrial areas/zones and such units would not be allowed in critically and severely  polluted areas, non-attainment cities (Alwar, Kota, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur) and NCR sub-region of the state.

Agarwal said the , the State Pollution Control Board will continuously monitor and restrict the concentration of units in a particular area that have been given consent for renewal for authorization and operation of tyre pyrolysis units on batch process on the condition that the unit would be converted to continuous process by 31.12.2025.

It is noteworthy that after 2012, an effective ban was imposed on the establishment of continuous type tyre pyrolysis units in the state till further orders. Following which the NGT had directed the CPCB to conduct a study with the involvement of NEERI and IIT, Delhi to decide based on the outcome of the study to enable decision whether existing batch or advance batch automated or only continuous units be allowed. After which, as per the instructions of NGT and CPCB, this decision was taken keeping in view the problem of proper disposal of tyre waste along with EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) and pollution control. SOP has been issued with detailed order in this regard