/>

Act fast on chemical policy, Centre urged

Updated - May 24, 2016 03:11 pm IST - VISAKHAPATNAM:

Vizagapatam Chamber of Commerce and Industry has asked the Government of India to expedite the finalisation of National Chemical Policy to encourage investments.

The policy, which has been on drawing board for a long time, is aimed at bringing a comprehensive legislation to strengthen the share of manufacturing by the petroleum and chemical industry.

There are many measures that are required to make this sector investment-friendly. Currently there are multiple legislations in India governing chemicals industry, according to VCCI vice-president and an expert on shipping industry A.V. Monish Row.

He has told The Hindu that the policy is of utmost importance for Visakhapatnam as the Petroleum, Chemical and Petrochemical Investment Region (PCPIR) proposed between the city and Kakinada envisaged heavy investment.

The PCPIR Special Development Authority, which is in the process of holding a public hearing after getting clearance from the government, is expecting an investment of Rs.3.43 lakh crore within five to seven years from grounding the project.

Currently, the chemical industry comes under the purview of different ministries like Ministry of Forests (Environment Protection Act), Ministry of Labour (Factories Act), Ministry of Roads (Motor Vehicles Act), Ministry of Commerce (Explosives Act), Ministry of Home (Disaster Management Act), Department of Chemicals (The CWC Act) and Ministry of Rural Development (Land Acquisition Act).

Focus on environment

Mr. Row has said the new policy must also include rules governing registration of substances, preparation of national inventory, restrictions on hazardous substances, detailed classification and labelling and transport classification. The government must focus on protecting human health and environment and have a sustainable chemical policy replacing several environment-related legislations.

Commenting on alleged handling of hazardous chemicals at Visakhapatnam port causing heavy pollution in the city, he has said necessary precautions are being followed as per international protocols.

According to him, the guidelines of International Maritime Organisation, a United Nations’ agency, are being followed by the port authorities.

0 / 0
Sign in to unlock member-only benefits!
  • Access 10 free stories every month
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.

We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.