DIBRUGARH, Nov 29 - The sudden emission of enormous dark smoke from one of the cracker units of the Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Limited (BCPL) in the air since the past few days has caused apprehension in the surroundings, including the city here.
Despite posing threat to the public and the rich biodiversity by polluting the air and the environment, the BCPL authorities have downplayed the menace, stating that since the process of cracking has been initiated in the furnace of the Ethylene Cracker Unit, some of the hydrocarbon has to be flared, therefore smoke is generated and emitted during the commissioning process, till stabilisation of the unit.
�It is a one-time short exercise which is required for commissioning of the complex, which is unavoidable. Once the plant is commissioned, it will be operated as per industry standard practice,� the authorities said.
The dark smoke in the skies can be seen from as much as 40 kms afar. As the smoke emanates from the source, the skies in the area appear dark and polluted. The development has caused concern among the public. As gathered from the BCPL authorities, the district administration has already been apprised by a team of expert engineers of BCPL. The authorities have said that there is no threat to the environment or health hazards of any sort, as apprehended.
It may be mentioned here that the BCPL is on the verge of commissioning the main Ethylene Cracker Unit (ECU). The BCPL management said that the support of the local public is indispensable for smooth operation of a petrochemical plant of such magnitude.
