Are these factories following environmental norms?
To determine if factories are following environmental norms, we need to check if they are implementing pollution control measures. Factories following norms would minimise water use by reusing and recycling it in successive stages, harvest rainwater to meet requirements, and treat hot water and effluents before releasing them into rivers and ponds.
They should also have smoke stacks fitted with electrostatic precipitators, fabric filters, scrubbers and inertial separators to reduce particulate matter. Using oil or gas instead of coal, fitting generators with silencers, and using noise absorbing material are other indicators. Corporations like NTPC with ISO certification for EMS 14001 show a proactive approach to preserving the environment.
Explanation
This is a PROJECT WORK question where students are expected to visit local factories and observe whether they follow environmental norms. The textbook context provides the benchmarks to check: water treatment (primary, secondary, tertiary), air pollution control devices, noise reduction measures, and ISO certification. Students should compare actual practices in their selected factories against these standards.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify the environmental norms from the textbook (water treatment, air pollution control, noise reduction)
Step 2: Observe the selected factories for these measures
Step 3: Compare actual practices with the norms and conclude