Hi-Tech Carbon has proposed to set up a 120,000 MTPA carbon black unit at
Patalganga in Maharashtra’s Raigad district.

In its presentation before the Ministry of Environment and Forests for
environmental clearance, the company said that the proposed cost of the project is
Rs 274 crore. A power plant is also proposed to be set up at a cost of Rs 196
crore for which environmental clearance is already obtained.

The company said that Rs 32 crore has been earmarked for environmental management measures.

The plant proposes to manufacture 120,000 MTPA of multi-grade carbon black, which has uses in rubber processing and chemicals industry, tyre manufacturing,
production of paints, dyes, inks and conveyor belts.

The total area of the unit is 65 acres of which 21.5 acres is for greenbelt
development.

The company said the salient features of the project are:

1. Most modern plant with latest technological features with inbuilt process
controls and safety measures.
2. Unit is located nearer to the notified industrial area and there is
availability of basic infrastructure.
3. No ground water extraction.
4. Zero discharge operations.
5. Online continuous stack emissions monitoring for PM, SO2 and NOx.
6. 21.5 acres under greenbelt amounting to 33 per cent.
7. Complete captive power requirement is met from waste heat recovery and surplus power exported to state grid.
8. Power generation process is qualified for CDM benefits.

For the greenbelt programme, the company said about 4040 trees have already been
planted in the project site and along the plant boundary. 22500 saplings will be
planted in the existing greenbelt area in 5 years period. The greenbelt area will
attenuate the noise levels to a large extent.

It said waste water quality will conform to prescribes standards and zero
discharge concept will be adopted.

With the implementation of several mitigation measures, no significant impact on
ecology is anticipated.

The increasing industrial activity will also boost up the commercial and economic
status of the locality, the company said in its presentation.

The company further said it will adopt all safety and hazard identification
measures besides a strong disaster management policy.