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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.