What are Industrial Green Belt, and Why are they Needed?

Suchandra Mukherjee

01 Jul, 2023

Industrial Green Belt in India refers to a buffer zone beyond which industrial activity must not be carried out. This concept has been developed to protect sensitive areas to maintain ecological balance and to act as a sink for the harmful gases released by vehicles and industries operating in the city area. In addition, green belts enhance the visual appeal of the local environment. These planned open spaces are protected from development projects such as the construction of buildings, factories, and other infrastructure and are solely dedicated to cultivating vegetation. The existence of green belts in urban and industrial areas plays a crucial role in preserving the ecological well-being of the region.

General Approach for Green Belt Construction

The general method for establishing an Industrial Green Belt involves the following steps:

• Generally, local or native fast-growing tree species are chosen.
• Trees are planted in circular rows on land areas where vegetation is currently absent.
• Non-edible shrub species are preferred when selecting tree species.
• Bamboo or iron tree guards are placed around the trees for protection.
• The trees should be planted with a spacing of 2.5m x 2.5m, resulting in approximately 1500 trees per hectare.
• The local forest department should be consulted to identify suitable plant species.

Objective Behind the construction of Industrial Green Belts

Developing an Industrial Green Belt aims to mitigate pollution caused by various activities during the construction and operational phases in the surrounding environment. The green belt plays a crucial role in reducing the impact of air and noise pollution, preventing soil erosion, acting as a barrier against strong winds, enhancing the soil’s water retention capacity, decreasing surface water runoff, providing shelter for animals, and ultimately enhancing biodiversity in the area. Additionally, the green belt serves as a dust suppressor, capturing particulate matter from the nearby air, especially during construction. It also absorbs gaseous pollutants from the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). The green belt not only acts as a reservoir for different pollutants but also contributes to the visual attractiveness of a location.

General Consideration

The following are the general considerations for developing an Industrial Green Belt:

1. The design and development of the green belt should adhere to industry-specific requirements and guidelines provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
2. The prevailing climatic conditions should be considered.
3. Only fast-growing indigenous species will be selected for green belt development. Preference will be given to species that bear fruits or have economic/medicinal value.
4. The green belt will cover an area of 2.97 hectares within the project site.
5. Trees will be planted in a three-row pattern to maximize the effectiveness of the green belt in reducing pollution from the project area.
6. Each row should consist of trees, shrubs, and bio-fencing, with a recommended spacing of 2.5 meters by 2.5 meters for trees and 2 meters by 2 meters for shrubs (considering possible mortality in the next season). The recommended pit sizes are 45 cm by 45 cm by 45 cm for trees and 30 cm by 30 cm for shrubs.
7. A total of 4,455 plants will be planted, with 1,500 saplings per hectare.
8. Saplings will be sourced from a local nursery developed by the Forest Department.
9. Trees with a height of 10 meters or more and perennial foliage will be planted around the early production facility.
10. Plantation around the periphery of the well pad will also be conducted wherever feasible.

Requirement Criteria for Industrial Green Belt

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)^[1] has issued guidelines in the Handbook of Environmental Procedures and Guidelines to establish industries, taking into consideration a balanced approach that encompasses economic, social, and environmental factors. The criteria related to the Industrial Green Belt are as follows:

• A green belt with a width of 1/2 kilometres should surround the industry’s battery limit. The green belt should be extended to one km if the industry produces odours.
• A green belt of one km between two adjacent large-scale industries should be maintained.
• Conversion of prime agricultural land into industrial sites is prohibited.
• Forest land cannot be converted for non-forest activities to support the industry, as stated in the Forest Conservation Act of 1980.
• The acquired land should be sufficiently large to accommodate the appropriate wastewater treatment. After maximizing reuse and recycling, the treated wastewater should be utilized to develop the green belt and create water bodies for aesthetic purposes, recreation, and, if feasible, aquaculture.

Conclusion

The key guideline for any type of industry is the development of a three-tier green belt along the project’s periphery, using native species. The presence of green vegetation offers numerous benefits, including biodiversity conservation, soil moisture retention, groundwater recharge, and maintaining a pleasant climate in the area. It also provides potential habitats for birds and animals. By acting as a pollution sink, the Industrial Green Belt minimizes the accumulation of pollution levels in urban and industrial areas. The three-tier green belt absorbs pollutants from industrial activities, effectively controlling pollution. The primary advantages of having a green belt in and around an industry are controlling air and noise pollution. Furthermore, the green belt helps control soil erosion by enhancing soil quality and binding soil particles. It also manages water runoff, improves groundwater infiltration, and enhances the capacity for groundwater recharge. When selecting green belt species, consideration should be given to the specific industry type/category and prevailing climatic conditions. Merely planting trees around an industry without considering these elements may not serve the purpose of establishing a functional green belt.It is recommended to consult an expert about the Industrial Green Belt for specific project proponentsto know about the criteria for applying for Environmental Clearance.

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