Evaluation of Environmental Quality of SIPCOT Industrial Complex, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu Through CEPI

Abstract

Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index (CEPI) is a rational number to characterize the environmental quality at a given location following the algorithm of source, pathway and receptor. Increasing value of CEPI indicates severe adverse effects on environment and also is an indication of large percentage of population experiencing health hazards. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has assessed CEPI for 88 industrial clusters in the country. Based on the CEPI score the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC).Government of India has notified 43 clusters having CEPI scores of70 and above as critically polluted areas and imposed a moratorium on new projects and for expansion of the existing units. SIPCOT Industrial Complex, Cuddalore is one among them having CEPI score of 77.25. Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) insisted the industries to come out with time bound action plan to cut down pollution. The industries have implemented various measures to reduce pollution level in air, water and land environment. CEPI score was reassessed and it was brought down below 70. MoEF lifted the moratorium with certain conditions. This paper discusses in detail on the existing environment quality and CEPI score of SLPCOT Industrial Complex, Cuddalore.