Syllabus: 

GS-3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment 

Context: Recently, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has released draft guidelines for the utilization of stone slurry from marble and granite processing, aiming to curb environmental damage from improper disposal.

About the Draft Guidelines

• These guidelines aimed at curbing the unregulated dumping of stone slurry on land or low-lying areas.
• This marks a major policy step, following the National Green Tribunal’s 2022 directive on marble slurry disposal and the Centre for Science and Environment’s 2024 circularity report.
• The draft guidelines propose using stone slurry in cement, tiles, blocks, building materials, road construction, lime production, and as a filler material.
• CPCB’s guidelines propose clear measures for slurry storage, handling, and utilisation, including:
  o Lined storage areas within unit premises,
  o GPS-enabled vehicles to prevent illegal dumping,
  o Mandated MoUs between slurry generators and users.
  o Inclusion of utilisation plans in Consent to Operate (CTO) conditions.

Environmental Concerns

• Soil and Groundwater Contamination: Stone slurry alters soil pH, block aquifers, and reduce fertility.
• Air Pollution: Drying slurry produces dust, causing respiratory risks and affecting vegetarian.
• Water Pollution: Runoff contaminates water, harming ecosystems and making it unsafe.
• Land Degradation: Unregulated dumping degrades soil and green pastures.
• Resource Loss: High waste generation leads to unsustainable resource use.

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

• CPCB is statutory organisation which was constituted in 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
• CPCB is empowered under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and also serves as a field unit providing technical support to the Environment Ministry under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• The CPCB advises the Centre, coordinates with SPCBs, runs pollution control programs, conducts research, publishes data, and sets air and water quality standards.

Sources:
Down to Earth
CPCB
CPCB