The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC), the green panel of Ministry of Environment has approved the Aurobindo Pharma’s proposal for expansion of its bulk drugs facilities in Medak, Telengana. Based on the recommendations of the EAC, the ministry gives final green nod to the 'A' category projects.
The Hyderabad-based firm had sought green nod for increasing the production at its bulk drugs unit in Medak district to 421.2 tonnes per month (TPM) from the existing 96 TPM, entailing an investment of about Rs 300 crore.
Aurobindo Pharma informed the EAC that the cost of existing project is Rs 222 crore and additional cost will be Rs 70 crore.
The company at present has land area of 65.5 acres and plot area proposed after expansion is 71 acres. Of which, green belt will be developed in 24.5 acres. In August, Aurobindo Pharma had said it is targeting a revenue of over USD 3 billion (over Rs 19,800 crore) by 2017- 18 and plans to expand its basket with drugs to treat cancer and hormonal diseases, as also various nutraceuticals and over-the-counter (OTC) products.
"The proposal was taken up in the recent meeting. On the basis of the additional information provided and presentation made, the EAC recommended the project for environmental clearance with some conditions," a senior Environment Ministry official said.
The committee suggested the company to regularly monitor fugitive emissions in the work zone environment, product, raw materials storage area, etc. The emissions should conform to the limits imposed by the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB). Odor management plan should also be implemented.
The company has also been asked to process organic residue and store fly ash separately so that it should not adversely affect the air quality. Direct exposure of workers to fly ash and dust should be avoided, the EAC said.
Among other conditions, the EAC has said that the company should develop green belt of 24.5 acre within the plant premises with at least 10 meter wide green belt on all sides along the periphery of the project area.
The environmental stewardship shown by Aurobindo need to be appreciated.
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