India, April 17 -- Chemical factories operating in the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) estate at Tarapur are gradually shifting base to Gujarat as they have no space to accommodate tree plantations within their premises.

Most of the units are at least 25-30 years old and in urgent need of upgradation or expansion but are unable to do so as rules mandate that they must have 40% tree cover within their premises to qualify for environmental clearance. The Gujarat government allows firms to bypass this requirement and undertake plantations in other areas, which is attracting chemical units to the state in droves, several office-bearers and members of the Tarapur Industrial Manufacturing Association (TIMA) told Hindustan...