The Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has issued a new circular revising the pollution control measures and siting criteria for M-sand, Rock Dust, and Rock Sand storage units (godowns) across the State. This update supersedes earlier Circulars dated 08.02.2019 and 28.04.2015, and brings all such units—irrespective of storage capacity—under the Green Category for consent requirements.
The revisions come in the wake of rising complaints regarding dust and noise pollution generated by the operation of these storage units.
All Units Now Mandated to Follow Uniform Pollution Control Measures
KSPCB has now directed that all M-sand, Rock Dust and Rock Sand godowns, regardless of whether their storage capacity is above or below 10 tonnes, must comply with the following measures:
- Enclosed loading and unloading areas to prevent dust and noise.
- Sprinkler systems for dust suppression during loading/unloading.
- Daily logbook recording type and quantity of materials handled.
- Tarring or concreting of internal roads, with proper drainage for wastewater from vehicle tyre-washing.
- Transport of materials only in properly covered vehicles.
These measures aim to reduce fugitive dust emissions and mitigate nuisance to nearby residents.
Revised Siting Criteria: 25-Metre Distance and Minimum Area Requirement
The circular prescribes updated siting criteria applicable to all new units:
- Minimum 25 metres distance from the nearest residence.
- Minimum 25 metres distance from sensitive establishments such as educational institutions, courts, public offices, hospitals, places of worship, and community halls.
- Minimum land area of 50 cents for operation.
For applications currently under processing, and for units already issued consents or white-category registrations prior to this circular, the previous siting criteria will continue to apply. However, such units must comply with the new pollution control measures without exception.
All Units Must Obtain Consent Under Green Category
Irrespective of their storage capacity, all M-sand, Rock Dust and Rock Sand godowns are now required to obtain Consent from the Board under the Green Category. This marks a shift from the earlier categorization where small (<10T) units were placed under the White Category.
The circular also explicitly cancels the earlier Circulars dated 08/02/2019 and 28/04/2015.
The new norms come into effect immediately, signaling the Board’s intensified efforts to control particulate pollution associated with the M-sand and aggregate storage sector.