Ahmedabad: Amid rising uncertainty over gas and liquid fuel supplies linked to the ongoing tensions in West Asia, the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) has rolled out a temporary but significant policy shift — allowing industries to switch to alternate solid fuels to keep production lines running.The move comes as a precautionary step to cushion industries against potential disruptions in gas and liquid fuel availability, while ensuring environmental norms are not compromised. In a circular issued recently, the GPCB has urged industrial units to opt for relatively cleaner solid fuels such as agro-waste, biomass and briquettes, instead of more polluting alternatives.To balance flexibility with accountability, the board has tightened compliance requirements. Industries choosing these fuels must install Air Pollution Control Devices and strictly adhere to emission standards. They have also been directed to implement proper ash handling and disposal systems. Units falling under Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) norms must ensure real-time tracking of emissions.“This is a temporary facilitation measure to help industries navigate fuel supply uncertainties without diluting environmental safeguards,” a senior GPCB official said.The circular also mandates regulatory approvals. Units with environmental clearance must seek amendments to their EC, Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consolidated Consent and Authorization (CCA). Others are required to revise their CTE and CCA accordingly. Industries relying on community boilers have been given interim relief but will need to regularize permissions later.Notably, the board has drawn a red line on the use of unapproved fuels, warning that violations will not be tolerated. The directive will remain in force for three months, subject to strict compliance with environmental norms.
