NMDC Unveils Pioneering Mobile Environment Lab for Real-Time Monitoring in Chhattisgarh

TFP Bureau, Hyderabad, Oct 28, 2023: In a remarkable initiative aimed at bolstering environmental stewardship, the National Miner NMDC inaugurated the nation’s first-ever Mobile Environment Lab at its Head Office in Hyderabad today. This state-of-the-art mobile unit is set to be handed over to the Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board (CECB) in Raipur on November 1st, 2023.

The inauguration ceremony, officiated by NMDC’s CMD (Additional Charge) Shri Amitava Mukherjee, witnessed the dedication of the Mobile Environment Lab to fortify Chhattisgarh’s environmental health. Present at the event were Shri V Suresh, Director (Commercial), Shri Vinay Kumar, Director (Technical), and Shri B. Vishwanath, CVO.

As India’s largest iron ore producer and a key player in the Bailadila region of Chhattisgarh, NMDC has significantly contributed to the state’s socio-economic development and environmental conservation.

This pioneering step in responsible mining introduces a cutting-edge approach to environmental monitoring. The Mobile Environment Lab is equipped with a Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAQMS) mounted on the vehicle, along with 6 portable CAAQMS units within the lab, enabling real-time monitoring of pollution levels in Chhattisgarh’s industrial clusters. This setup allows for immediate responses to environmental complaints.

Moreover, the lab features systems for analyzing water and waste-water quality, as well as recording ambient noise quality in the industrial areas of Chhattisgarh, thereby promoting water stewardship and comprehensive environmental monitoring.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Amitava Mukherjee expressed NMDC’s commitment to enhancing Chhattisgarh’s ecological well-being. He emphasized the importance of recording and closely monitoring the current environmental conditions as the primary step towards implementing sustainable practices. NMDC takes pride in pioneering initiatives for effective environmental management and responsible mining practices.

The Mobile Environment Lab, procured through the GeM Portal, is housed in a Primover Bharat Benz vehicle and hosts a range of advanced scientific instruments such as CAAQMS, SpectroPhotometer, Drone, BOD Measuring System, Portable Water Analysis Lab, AutoClave, Hot Air Oven, among others.

In addition to this groundbreaking initiative, NMDC released its Sustainability Report 2022-23 during the ceremony, further solidifying its commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.