The chemicals industry rarely features in public debates about climate and pollution. The third largest emitter from the chemicals sector globally, its fertilizer industry runs largely on natural gas and coal. For every kilogram of active pharmaceutical ingredient produced, the industry generates between 25 and 100 kilograms of waste. While recent government crackdowns have led to plant closures in regions such as Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat, the persistent risk of pharmaceutical pollution means that strict, constant monitoring is still essential to ensure public safety. The pharmaceutical sector generates tens of thousands of tonnes of waste annually in this discovery phase alone.

Source: The Hindu March 26, 2026 08:29 UTC