The Bihar State Pollution Control Board is tightening plantation norms for older industrial units to curb pollution. Member secretary Neeraj Narayan said, "Several old industrial units had been violating the guidelines for various reasons." These factories must now develop green cover or face penalties, including potential closure for habitual offenders.
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Patna: Industries operating for years without adequate green cover are facing mounting pressure from the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB), which is tightening enforcement of plantation norms and warning habitual offenders of punitive action. The move comes amid concerns over industrial emissions and particulate pollution across the Ganga basin. While newer industrial estates have provisions for green belts, several older units, particularly in Patliputra Industrial Area, struggle with inadequate plantation and limited space. BSPCB member secretary Neeraj Narayan said several old industrial units had been violating the guidelines for various reasons. The board was now pressing them to develop the prescribed green cover and adopt technological improvements. Action has also been initiated against habitual offenders. Under the applicable norms, standalone red-category industries, mainly associated with air pollution, must maintain green cover over 25% of their premises. These include cement manufacturing, thermal power generation and distilleries. Red-category units inside registered industrial estates must earmark 15% of their premises for plantation, in addition to the common green belt, while standalone orange-category units must provide 20% green cover. Industrial estates developed by agencies such as the Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority (Biada) must provide a common plantation zone covering 10% of the estate area, with prescribed plantation density. The norms are intended to create green buffers to trap dust and limit the spread of pollutants into neighbouring residential areas. Former Bihar State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority chairman Atul Aditya Pandey said industrial clearances had traditionally been linked to substantial green cover, with requirements varying according to factors including technology, use of solar power and availability of piped natural gas. Space constraints remain a major hurdle for older clusters, where plots are already occupied by production facilities, storage areas and internal roads. The board is also seeking stronger verification through digital monitoring and geo-tagged imagery. Industries failing to meet environmental conditions risk penalties and suspension or closure proceedings. Past enforcement has covered sectors including distilleries, brick kilns, construction and manufacturing. The challenge is to ensure green belts are established and maintained rather than merely shown on paper.