To reduce air pollution and ensure compliance with the Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Abatement Action Plan, the Assam Pollution Control Board (APCB) has issued a circular mandating strict dust suppression and fugitive emissions control measures for all industries operating in the Byrnihat Critically Polluted Area (CPA).
These directives are in addition to Consent to Operate (CTO) conditions and are enforceable under Section 17(a) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
📋 Key Measures Required
| Sl. | Measure | Applicable To |
| 1 | Enclosures at material loading/unloading points | All industries |
| 2 | Bag filters at transfer points to capture airborne dust | Red & Orange category |
| 3 | Water spraying within premises | All industries |
| 4 | Pneumatic closed-loop fly-ash transfer | Cement & AAC/Fly-ash bricks |
| 5 | Paved internal roads | All industries |
| 6 | Appoint “Dust Control Personnel” & submit contact | Red & Orange category |
| 7 | Maintain & log APCD maintenance (e.g. bag replacements) | Red & Orange category |
| 8 | Install vehicle wheel washing bays using rain/treated water | Red category (incl. cement, coke) |
| 9 | Implement annual tree plantation plan | All industries |
🔁 Reporting Requirement
- Quarterly Action Taken Reports (ATRs) must be submitted to the Assam PCB.
- Non-compliance may lead to enforcement action under applicable environmental laws.
🌿 Purpose of the Directive
The goal is to reduce particulate matter (PM) emissions and maintain air quality in Byrnihat within prescribed CPCB/NAAQS standards, aligning with national air quality management goals.