Drug cos may gain from polluting status review

A segment of drug companies such as tablet and capsule makers may benefit from the government's move to review polluting status of these companies, which may help them save costs on pollution control equipment.

Presently, the pollution control norms treat both bulk drug industry (basic active ingredient makers) and formulators alike causing considerable hardships for liquid drug, tablets and capsule makers, said industry sources. A mid-sized company often spends more than Rs 1 crore on pollution control equipment.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), bowing to demands of the industry, is considering a review of the polluting status of tablets and capsule makers as they are a less polluting industry.

According to informed industry sources, the CPCB is actively considering a survey and inspection of about a dozen pharmaceutical units in the medium and large scale units to consider the issue.

"We have been informed by the pollution control board authorities that they will inspect a dozen drug firms to study the matter, and if satisfied, will consider moving them to the 'Green' category of non-polluting companies," said T S Jaishankar, chairman, Confederation of Indian Pharmaceutical Industries, a grouping of state-level small scale drug firm associations.