New Delhi: The huge fire at the Indian
Oil Corporation's fuel depot in Jaipur last month affected the
air quality but there is no "clear-cut" evidence of its
adverse impact on agriculture and health in the region, Lok
Sabha was informed today.
"The panels appointed by SMS Medical College and
Controller of Attached Hospitals and by the Commissioner
(Agriculture), Rajasthan respectively did not find any clear
cut evidence of adverse impact on health and agriculture,"
Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said while replying to a
query.
However, the Central and Rajathan Pollution Control
Boards have assessed the impact of the fire on ambient air
quality by monitoring it in the radius at 5 km at 14
locations.
"The maximum values for pollutants like Suspended
Particulate Matter (SPM) and Respirable Suspended Particulate
Matter (RSPM) exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality
Standards during the monitoring period," Ramesh added.
The Minister said the oil depots at Jaipur, having an
investment of Rs 40 crore, did not require environment
clearance.
"As per the Environment Impact Assessment
Notification, new projects covered under Schedule-I and having
investment of less than Rs 100 crores will not attract the
provisions of the notifications," he added.
PTI
First Published: Wednesday, November 25, 2009, 21:49