Asian Paints Ltd. (Penta division) has proposed to expand the production capacity of its existing unit at Kudikadu in Tamil Nadu\'s Cuddalore district.

In its presentation to the Ministry of Environment and Forests for environmental clearance, the company said it proposes to increase the production of Pentaerythritol (from 450 MTPM to 560 MTPM) and Sodium Formate (from 275 MTPM to 336 MTPM) through de-bottlenecking and process optimization at the SIPCOT Industrial Estate.

The raw materials used are methanol, acetaldehyde and caustic soda.

The unit has an area of 29.2 acres and the cost of the project is Rs 102.84 lakh. A total of 54 per cent, i.e, 15.7 acres has been used for greenbelt development.

The company said there will not be any major potential for negative impact on the environment due to the proposed project.

There are no archaeological, historical or ancient monuments, forest areas, sanctuaries or national parks within 10 km range of the unit.

The company said that the plant has adequate measures to prevent odours and fugitive emissions.

It said it will adopt all safety and hazard identification measures besides a strong disaster management policy.

There will be medical check-up facilities for all employees, the company said. Monitoring of occupational hazards like noise, ventilation, chemical exposure shall be carried out at frequent intervals.