MPCB directs industries to use PNG

In a bid to control air pollution in the city, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has directed industries in Thane-Belapur industrial belt to use PNG as fuel.
Bharat Nimbarte, regional officer of MPCB, says, "There are numerous advantages of using PNG over oil as fuel. It reduces the hazards involved in transportation, handling and storage. It will also keep a check on fire breakouts. As it is a clean fuel, the quality of air will improve considerably."
He adds, "We have instructed to fix the PNG pipelines in the area. Once the pipeline network is built and gas is available, all industries will have to switch over to clean fuel. However, it will take some time as fixing pipeline involves taking permission from multiple agencies."   

Positive nod
MPCB's instruction to use PNG as fuel has been approved by residents. Rashid Khan, a resident of Nerul, says, "Industries continually emit smoke round the clock. We have to keep our windows shut all the time. Due to pollution, residents often complain of headache, suffocation and nausea. In the long run, the harmful gases can have damaging effects on our respiratory organs MPCB has taken the right decision."