August 27, 2001

'30'

REDUCTION OF CONTENTS OF PHOSPHATE IN DETERGENTS

    Excess quantity of phosphate in detergents causes eutrophication in the water body and affects the aquatic life.

    Under the Eco-mark scheme, Ministry of Environment and Forests notified the criteria to reduce phosphate contents in detergents in1992. The criteria also prescribe that the surfactants in detergents shall be at least 97% biodegradable. Detergent manufacturing industries are also required to fulfill various provisions under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 before disposal of the wastewater generated in these industries.

    This information was given by the Union Minister of Environment and Forests, Shri T.R. Baalu in reply to a question from the Hon'ble Member, Shri Uttamrao Dhikale in the Lok Sabha today.