After leaks, PCB bans ammonia use

KOLKATA: Following the recent incidents of ammonia gas leakage from cold storages and ice plants located in populated urban areas, the state Pollution Control Board (PCB) banned the use of ammonia in ice plants and cold storages.
On Thursday, in a press conference, Biswajit Mukherjee, senior Law officer of WBPCB declared the decision of imposing ban on ammonia gas in such units.
In an alternative measure, PCB suggested to use HCFC 22 chloro fluro methane gas in all existing units of cold storage and ice plants.
Mukherjee clearly stated that no unit will be provided license if they do not convert their system to suggested HCFC22. Otherwise PCB will close down such units, warned Mukherjee.
He asked all the civic authorities like municipal corporation, municipalities and the Zilla Parishads to prepare a detail list of all cold storages and ice plants in their area within February 28.
He even asked the civic authorities to keep a close watch on such units and asked to not issue trade licence until they will submit a written assurance to convert their system of cooling and assurance to stop use of ammonia gas in their plants.
The PCB reacted after a series of incidents of ammonia gas leakage happen in and around Kolkata sparking huge panic among residents.
The situation turned worst at Nayapatti of Dum Dum a few days ago as fire brigade and even National Disaster Management Force took long time to control the situation after gas started leaking from a cold storage.