Helena Joyce
Tandur, a town in the Indian state of Telangana, is facing significant environmental challenges due to various human activities. The town's air quality is a growing concern, with the main pollutant being PM2.5, which far exceeds the World Health Organization's guidelines. Tandur's economy revolves around limestone, cement production, and redgram (also known as pigeon pea), which contributes to pollution, along with transportation and stone-cutting industries. To address these issues, the Telangana State Pollution Control Board has proposed relocating 700 stone-cutting units and constructing a bypass road to divert heavy lorry traffic. Additionally, Tandur faces issues with pest control and deforestation, which impact the local environment and wildlife.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Town, Municipality and Mandal in Vikarabad district in the Indian State of Telangana | Tandur Revenue Division |
| Population | 71,008 (2011 census) |
| Industries | Limestone, cement, and pigeon pea (Redgram) |
| Main sources of employment | Cement industry, stone mines, quarries, pigeon pea cultivation, and transportation |
| Water source | River Kagna, a tributary of the Bhima River |
| Pollution sources | Lorries transporting cement, stone-cutting and polishing units |
| Pollution control measures | Relocating stone-cutting units, constructing a bypass road for cement lorries |
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What You'll Learn
Move stone-cutting units away from Tandur
The Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) has identified stone dust generated by stone-cutting and polishing units as one of the main reasons behind the pollution in Tandur. As a result, around 700 of these units, currently located in Tandur of Vikarabad district, will be shifted to a new industrial park being developed for them at Navalga village of Basheerabad mandal in the same district. The TSPCB has reported that the Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TSIIC) had identified 300 acres of land in Basheerabad mandal for the relocation of these units. Of this, 212 acres have already been acquired, and the rest will be acquired as per the LARR Act, 2013.
The stone-cutting and polishing units in Tandur have been a major source of air pollution in the area. The dust generated by these units has severely impacted the air quality, causing respiratory and other health issues for residents. By relocating these units to a new industrial park, the TSPCB aims to reduce the concentration of stone dust in Tandur's atmosphere and improve the overall air quality.
The decision to move the stone-cutting units away from Tandur was made as part of an ongoing hearing in the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on the issue of air pollution in the area. The matter was initially brought to the Tribunal's notice by the Tandur Citizens Welfare Society, who raised concerns about the detrimental effects of pollution on the health and well-being of the community.
In addition to relocating the stone-cutting units, the TSPCB is also addressing other sources of pollution in Tandur. One such measure is the construction of a 12.92 km-long bypass road connecting Tandur to Vikarabad and Hyderabad. This road will be used by lorries transporting cement, which currently pass through Tandur, contributing significantly to the local pollution levels. By diverting these lorries away from Tandur, the TSPCB expects to further reduce the pollution burden on the area.
The relocation of the stone-cutting units and the construction of the bypass road are positive steps towards improving the air quality in Tandur and ensuring the health and well-being of its residents. These measures demonstrate the TSPCB's commitment to addressing the issue of pollution and finding sustainable solutions that balance industrial development with environmental protection.
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Limit the number of lorries transporting cement through the town
The town of Tandur in India has been facing issues with air pollution, which has been attributed primarily to stone dust generated by stone cutting and polishing units, as well as the large number of lorries transporting cement that pass through the town. To limit the number of these lorries and reduce pollution, several measures can be implemented:
Firstly, the construction of a bypass road can help divert lorry traffic away from the town centre. In fact, a 12.92 km-long bypass road is already being constructed to connect Tandur to nearby cities, which is expected to reduce the number of cement-transporting lorries passing directly through the town. This strategy has been effective in other towns as well, such as Eye in Suffolk County, UK, where a trial has been implemented to restrict lorries in the town centre to only those serving local shops and businesses. This has helped reduce non-local lorry traffic and eased the concerns of residents who felt intimidated by the large vehicles on narrow streets.
Another strategy to limit lorry numbers is to implement weight restrictions on specific roads within the town. For example, the county council in Eye has imposed a 7.5-tonne weight limit on several streets, excluding only agricultural vehicles. This discourages heavier lorries from using these routes, thereby reducing traffic congestion and pollution levels.
In addition to road restrictions, Tandur could also implement a permission-based system similar to the London Lorry Control Scheme (LLCS). Under this scheme, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) over 18 tonnes require permission to use restricted roads during specified hours, helping to minimise noise pollution in residential areas at night and on weekends. Hauliers must demonstrate a need to use these roads, and permissions are granted based on their necessity.
Finally, Tandur could also advocate for changes to national laws and regulations regarding lorry lengths and weights. For example, the UK government recently allowed longer HGV lorries on roads, with the aim of reducing the number of journeys required and, consequently, pollution levels. Tandur could push for similar changes or adaptations that would discourage excessive lorry traffic through the town.
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Reduce dust from stone cutting and polishing units
The stone dust generated by the stone-cutting and polishing units in Tandur has been identified as one of the main reasons behind the city's air pollution. To reduce dust from these units, here are some measures that can be implemented:
Relocation
Moving the stone-cutting and polishing units to a different location can help reduce dust pollution in Tandur. The Telangana State Pollution Control Board has proposed shifting these units to a site in Basheerabad mandal, with 212 acres of land already acquired for this purpose.
Wet Cutting
Wet cutting is a technique that involves the use of water to reduce dust during the cutting process. By applying water to the cutting blades and work surfaces, dust particles are prevented from becoming airborne. This method can reduce dust generation by up to 85% compared to dry cutting. It also helps to cool the blades, extending their lifespan and enabling more precise cuts.
Vacuum Systems
Vacuum systems, particularly those with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, can effectively remove silica dust from the air and work surfaces. This helps to mitigate the risk of workers inhaling harmful dust particles.
Respiratory Protection
Providing workers with appropriate respiratory protection, such as sandblasting respirators, can offer additional defence against airborne particles. However, respirators should not be the primary method of protection and must be properly fit-tested to ensure effectiveness.
Engineering Controls
Implementing engineering controls, such as local exhaust ventilation with dust collectors, can prevent the release of dust into the air. Regular maintenance of these dust control systems is crucial to ensure their effectiveness.
Work Practices
Employers should provide workers with training on the health effects of silica dust exposure, work practices to minimise exposure, and the use of protective equipment. Marking the boundaries of work areas where dust exposure may occur can help minimise exposure to nearby workers. Additionally, wearing disposable or washable protective clothing and showering before leaving the worksite can prevent contamination in other areas.
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Conserve rich vegetation and wildlife
Conserving the rich vegetation and wildlife in Tandur, Telangana, India, is crucial for maintaining the region's ecological balance and biodiversity. Here are some measures that can be implemented to achieve this:
Addressing Deforestation and Promoting Reforestation
Deforestation, the permanent destruction of forests, is a significant issue in India, often driven by the expansion of lands for agriculture, livestock, industrial expansion, and mining. To conserve vegetation, it is essential to control and reduce deforestation. This can be achieved by implementing sustainable land-use practices, promoting the wise use of fuelwood and timber, and ensuring that any tree-cutting activities are offset by proactive reforestation efforts.
Fire Management
Forest fires, whether natural or human-induced, can lead to the destruction of forest covers. Tandur and its surrounding areas have faced issues with air pollution, and stone dust from stone-cutting and polishing units has been identified as a major contributor. To conserve vegetation, it is crucial to adopt the latest firefighting techniques to minimize the damage caused by fires. Additionally, implementing measures to prevent fires, such as creating firebreaks and conducting controlled burns during dry seasons, can help reduce the risk of uncontrolled wildfires.
Establishing Protected Areas
Designating and effectively managing wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and biosphere reserves can provide safe havens for both vegetation and wildlife. These protected areas offer spaces where natural processes can occur without human intervention, allowing for the preservation of biodiversity and ecological balance.
Conservation Projects
Implementing and supporting dedicated conservation projects, such as Project Tiger, Project Lion, Project Elephant, and Project Vulture, can have a significant impact on the preservation of specific species and their habitats. These projects often involve habitat restoration, anti-poaching measures, and community education, contributing to the overall conservation of vegetation and wildlife.
Soil Erosion Prevention
Soil erosion can be prevented through the conservation of forests and vegetation. Trees and plants play a vital role in holding soil together, preventing it from washing away during heavy rainfall or floods. By preserving and restoring vegetative cover, especially along riverbanks and areas prone to erosion, the soil's stability can be improved, benefiting both the environment and local infrastructure.
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Reduce emissions from cement factories
Tandur, India, is facing issues with air pollution, with lorries transporting cement contributing to the problem. While cement is a key ingredient in concrete, the process of making cement is incredibly dirty and is the third-largest source of industrial air pollution.
To reduce emissions from cement factories, there are several methods that can be implemented:
Reduce the use of cement
Using less cement can be achieved by reducing the overspecification of cement in concrete mixes and encouraging the use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) to partially replace cement. SCMs such as ground glass pozzolans can be used in concrete mixes, reducing the amount of cement needed.
Replace clinker with SCMs
Clinker is the primary component in cement and is extremely carbon-intensive, making up 90% of overall emissions. Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) is a promising solution, reducing CO2 emissions by around 40% compared to conventional cement. LC3 replaces half of the clinker with calcined clay and ground limestone, which do not release carbon when heated.
Improve energy efficiency
Making cement requires heating clay and limestone to very high temperatures. By improving the energy efficiency of cement kilns, less fuel is required, reducing emissions. Using electricity from renewable sources, such as green hydrogen, instead of fossil fuels can also help to achieve zero emissions.
Adopt material efficiency strategies
Optimising the use of cement through material efficiency strategies can help reduce demand and cut CO2 emissions. This can be achieved by adopting low-carbon fuels, improving energy efficiency, and deploying innovative technologies.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
CCS is expected to play a critical role in decarbonising cement production. By capturing and storing CO2 emissions, the cement industry can reduce its carbon footprint while still meeting global demand.
Implementing these strategies can help reduce emissions from cement factories, contributing to improved air quality in Tandur and helping to achieve global climate goals.
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Frequently asked questions
The town of Tandur in India is known for its cement factories, stone mines, and quarries, which are major sources of pollution. Stone dust generated by stone-cutting and polishing units, as well as the transportation of cement, have been identified as key contributors to the town's air pollution.
In 2021, the Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) reported plans to relocate 700 stone-cutting units away from Tandur. A 12.92 km-long bypass road is also under construction to divert lorries transporting cement away from the town, reducing pollution caused by their passage.
Tandur's cement industry, which includes factories such as India Cements Limited (ICL) and Cement Corporation of India (CCI), is a significant contributor to the town's pollution levels.
Tandur has experienced deforestation, resulting in a loss of rich vegetation and wildlife. The town's air quality has also been impacted, with stone dust and cement transportation contributing to poor air quality, particularly for sensitive groups.
