The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued Guidelines for Promoting Community Boiler for Cluster of Small-Scale Industries. These guidelines were issued on March 6, 2024.
Across the manufacturing landscape of India, steam boilers play a pivotal role in powering various industrial activities. With an estimated four million steam boilers installed nationwide, catering to a spectrum of production needs, these units are integral to the manufacturing sector’s operations.
However, industrial steam boilers are also significant contributors to air pollution. Particularly in the case of Small Scale Industries (SSIs), the prevalence of numerous small boilers poses a challenge for regulatory enforcement and maintaining ambient air quality standards.
Recognizing this challenge, a novel concept has emerged – the ‘common boiler’ or ‘community boiler.’ This innovative approach involves the establishment of a centralized system of boilers within an industrial area to generate steam. The steam is then distributed through a pipeline network to member industrial units, thereby reducing the need for individual small-scale boilers.
This concept has gained traction in industrial clusters in Gujarat, specifically in Surat, Vapi, and Ankleshwar. Here, the adoption of community boilers has showcased promising results in addressing pollution concerns while efficiently meeting the steam requirements of multiple small industries.
The benefits of community boilers extend beyond pollution reduction. They offer a cost-effective solution for small-scale industries, eliminating the need for individual boiler installations and streamlining maintenance and regulatory compliance efforts.
As India continues its quest for sustainable industrial development, innovative solutions like community boilers exemplify the potential for collaborative efforts to mitigate environmental impact while fostering industrial growth. Hence, the CPCB has issued these guidelines to foster a cleaner and more efficient future for India’s manufacturing sector.
