The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has welcomed the Centre’s decision to lift ban on expansion of industrial activity at port town of Haldia on environmental grounds.

In 2010, the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) described Haldia as “critically polluted” and imposed a moratorium on development of new industries and expansion of existing units at Haldia based on comprehensive environmental pollution index (CEPI). The ban is reportedly lifted this week.

“We are happy to note that the pollution embargo in Haldia is being lifted. It will not only inspire prospective investors, but will also give a fillip to the expansion plans of the existing industries in the port town,” Saugat Mukherjee, Regional Director, CII Eastern Region, said. According to him, CII played an active role in resolving the crisis.

During the day, West Bengal Environment Minister Sudarshan Ghosh Dastidar said the decision would help in promoting industrial development in the State.

“I have heard that the ban on industrial growth has been lifted from Haldia. This will boost the industrial growth. However, we are yet to receive any official communication in this regard,” Dastidar told reporters on the sidelines of 50th Annual General Meeting of the Indian Paint Association.

Apart from Haldia, MoEF imposed similar ban on two other industrial towns – Howrah and Asansol – in West Bengal. Dastidar expressed hope that the Union Government will soon lift the embargo in both the areas.

> ayan.pramanik@thehindu.co.in

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