In adults, the Bokaro plant emissions are linked to an estimated 170 deaths due to exposure to PM2.5 and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) as well as 290 asthma-related emergency room visits each year, according to a statement from CREA.
It added that the plantʼs emissions can also be linked to approximately 123,000 days of work absences due to air pollution-related health issues. These absences represent lost productivity, disrupted workflows, and reduced economic output across multiple sectors, the costs of which are estimated at approximately US$ 79 million (Rs 640 crore) in 2023.
The statement pointed out that the plant uses highly polluting coal and coke. As reported in the plantʼs compliance reports, only two of the six ducts for sinter stacks have more efficient electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) installed, while the rest only have outdated cyclone dust collectors, making them far more polluting.
Spotlight on steel
The Bokaro case study, according to CREA, can be seen as representative of a nationwide problem.
The steel industry is classified as one of the 17 highly polluting industries by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), with a capacity of almost 200 million tonnes of steel per year and plans to increase this to 300 million tonnes by 2030. India also accounts for 57 per cent of all coal-based steelmaking capacity under development globally.Â
