Katha manufacturers deny ammonia gas use

The Himachal Pradesh Katha Manufacturers Association has refuted allegations regarding the violation of rules in using ammonia gas as a coolant in katha manufacturing units in Kangra and Una districts.

Addressing the media, Ashok Sharma, president of the association, said the information obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act and published in newspapers was misleading. He emphasised that ammonia gas was legally used for refrigeration in Katha manufacturing across India. The state government, through a notification dated April 29, 2008, had permitted all manufacturing units to use ammonia gas with a refrigeration capacity of up to 5 tonnes in cold storage units.

Sharma clarified that no regulation mandates the use of a specific gas in manufacturing operations. He highlighted that ammonia gas is a widely accepted industrial refrigerant and assured that katha manufacturers strictly adhere to all safety norms, including hazardous chemical regulations. He reiterated that safety remains a top priority, with regular inspections conducted to ensure compliance.

Furthermore, Sharma dismissed concerns about environmental hazards, stating that Katha manufacturing units do not generate wastewater and, therefore, do not require sewage treatment plants (STPs). He affirmed that the industry’’s operations are environmentally sustainable.

Meanwhile, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Sushil Rana confirmed that ammonia gas was commonly used as a coolant in katha units across the state. He cited the 2008 notification, which imposes no restrictions on its use. Rana also mentioned that some Una-based units utilise Freon gas instead of ammonia.

A detailed inquiry by the Forest Department, involving pollution control officials, was conducted, leading to additional safety recommendations. Rana urged all katha manufacturers to implement the prescribed measures within 30 days. He also clarified that the use of ammonia gas does not affect the yield of katha, contrary to certain media reports.