KGN Bio-Tech Ltd has proposed to start a green field project at Hariyala in Gujarat\'s Kheda district to manufacture hydrogenated castor oil and castor oil derivatives, an agro based organic synthetic chemical having wide application in polishes, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, lubrication and coating and greases.

In its presentation to the Environment and Forests Ministry for environmental clearance, the company said the proposed products fall in category 5(f)-A Synthetic Organic Chemicals Industry of the schedule as per the EIA Notification, September 2006.

The total plot area is 25188.5 sq m of which 4322.5 sq m is for greenbelt development.

\"There are no defence installations, biosphere reserves, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, reserve forests or eco-sensitive areas within 10-km radius of the project site. There are alo no endangered species of flora and fauna reported in 10 km periphery of the project site,\" the company said.

The project cost is about Rs 18.9 crore. The industry has earmarked capital cost of Rs 80 lakh and the recurring cost per annum as Rs 3 lakh for environmental pollution.

The company said the size of the project is medium to have significant environmental impact. Some of the mitigative measures proposed are:

1. Regular stack and ambient air quality monitoring through reliable testing authority.

2. Installation of an effluent treatment plant of adequate capacity with an ultimate goal of effluent treatment to achieve on-land disposal standards for its reuse in greenbelt development.

3. The unit shall ensure proper operation and maintenance of the ETP by experienced personnel to comply with the required standard.

4. The unit shall ensure regular monitoring of untreated and treated effluent as per the statutory requirements.

5. Hazardous waste storage area will be labelled and properly designed to avoid contamination.

6. Ambient noise levels will be within the desired national noise level standards.

The company further said that the creation of the new project will bring direct employment for approximately 50 people from the vicinity of Kheda, Nadiad and nearby villages.