Central Pollution Control Board brings strict norms to curb red mud in Karnataka

In a bid to address air and water pollution caused by toxic bauxite residue, commonly known as red mud, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has introduced stringent guidelines for alumina manufacturing units.

Red mud, primarily generated by the aluminum industry, contains hazardous compounds such as calcium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, and other alkaline substances. Groundwater contamination is one of the major environmental threats posed by red mud.

Classifying red mud as hazardous waste, the CPCB has urged industries to minimise its generation by using higher-quality ore and enhancing the washing process.

Further, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has been directed to ensure that all red mud-producing units install filter presses and transition to dry stacking methods within one year.

"Filtration systems should be installed as close as possible to the upstream side of the red mud disposal area. The transfer of red mud slurry from the refinery to the filtration facility must be carried out via pipelines, and laid at a safe distance from surface waterbodies, roads, highways, and railway tracks to prevent spillage and contamination," the CPCB stated.

The guidelines also mandate that alumina units submit quarterly monitoring reports to the respective state pollution control boards to ensure compliance.