Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Government of India

Plastic Parks in India

Accelerating Growth of the Polymer-Based Industrial Ecosystem

Posted On: 11 APR 2025 1:03PM by PIB Delhi

Introduction

The Department of Chemicals and Petro-Chemicals is implementing the Scheme for Setting up of Plastic Parks under the umbrella scheme of New Scheme of Petrochemicals, to support setting up need-based Plastic Parks, with requisite state-of-the-art infrastructure, enabling common facilities through cluster development approach, to consolidate the capacities of the domestic downstream plastic processing industry. The objective is to consolidate and synergize the capacities of downstream plastic processing industry to help increase investment, production and export in the sector as well as generate employment. Under the scheme, the government of India provides grant funding up to 50% of the project cost subject to a ceiling of Rs.40 crore per project.

 

 

Plastic Parks have emerged as an integral part of India’s strategy for managing plastic waste, promoting recycling, and supporting the chemical industry. 10 Plastic Parks have been approved so far in different States.  Details of funds released to these Plastic Parks during the last five years are:

 

 

 

Background and Objectives

India stands 12^th in the world export of plastics, as per the 2022 World Bank estimates. It has grown exponentially from 2014, when it was worth just 8.2 million thousand USD, as compared to the 2022 estimates, where it reached 27 million thousand USD. This growth has been a result of the constant efforts by the Indian government to promote the production and export of plastics, like setting up Plastic Parks.

The Indian plastics industry was large but highly fragmented with dominance of tiny, small and medium units and thus lacks the capacity to tap this opportunity. The Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals formulated this scheme with a view to synergize and consolidate the capacities through cluster development and enhance India’s plastic production and export capabilities. The scheme has the following objectives:

1. Increase the competitiveness, polymer absorption capacity and value addition in the domestic downstream plastic processing industry through adaptation of modern, research and development led measurers.
2. Increase investments in the sector through additions in capacity and production, creating quality infrastructure and other facilitation to ensure value addition and increase in exports.
3. Achieve environmentally sustainable growth through innovative methods of waste management, recycling, etc.
4. Adopt a cluster development approach to achieve the above objectives owing to its benefits arising due to optimization of resources and economies of scale.

 

Process of setting up a Plastic Park

For the purpose of setting up Plastic Parks, the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals seeks preliminary proposals from state governments, highlighting the proposed location, financial details, broad cost estimates etc. Following in-principle approval from the Scheme Steering Committee, the State implementing agency is required to submit a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the Department, which is evaluated and final approval is given by the Scheme Steering Committee based on the viability of the proposed project.

For example, in November, 2020, the Department invited proposals from the state governments for establishing two new Plastic Parks. Proposals were received from the state governments of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh (02 proposals), Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh. These were examined by an Expert Committee, based on which the setting up of Plastic Parks at Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, and at Ganjimutt, Karnataka, was approved in July, 2022 and January, 2022 respectively.

The Government provides grants-in-aid for the establishment of the Plastic Parks. The implementation of these projects as well as the process of getting them populated by industrial units is largely in the hands of the Special Purpose Vehicles set up by the State Government or State Industrial Development Corporation or their agencies. The respective States have taken several steps to promote private sector participation in these Plastic Parks, including conducting awareness and sensitization programmes for the industry, providing plots at competitive rates, giving tax incentives etc.

Under the Scheme, common infrastructure for the sustainability and eco-friendliness of industrial units is provided including effluent treatment plant, solid/ hazardous waste management, facilities for plastic recycling, incinerator etc. Some of the Plastic Parks have also established in-house recycling sheds for recycling of plastic waste.

Other Government Initiatives for promoting Plastic Production in India

The other initiatives taken by the Government to enhance plastics processing are: 

1. Centres of Excellence (CoE): To promote the research and development in polymer and plastics the department has established 13 Centres of Excellence in various national level institutes.

 

 

These CoEs focus on various aspects such as sustainable polymers, advanced polymeric materials, bio-engineered systems, and process development for wastewater management in petrochemical industries. They aim to drive innovation, improve technology, and promote environmentally sustainable development within the sector.

2. Skilling of Workforce: Central Institute of Petrochemical Engineering and Technology is conducting many short term and long-term courses in Plastics processing and Technology to cater to the skilling requirement of the industry. 

 

Indian Plastic Industry and Environment Sustainability

The Government of India has taken several steps to ensure that the development of the plastic industry is environmentally sustainable and aligned with global sustainability standards.

1. The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations for plastic packaging mandate targets for minimum level of reuse, recycling and use of recycled content. This ensures accountability for waste collection, recycling, and reuse. Certain single-use plastics have been banned, with a focus on reducing plastic waste. The regulations also mandate to utilize minimum amount of recycled material in packaging products.
2. The Hazardous Waste Management Rules seek to ensure proper disposal of hazardous chemicals and promote waste minimization and resource recovery.
3. The Government promotes the adoption of circular economy principles in the plastic industry, including recycling and the use of biodegradable alternatives. In order to promote the latest technologies and products for circular economy, the Department supports and encourages industry in organizing discussions and exhibitions to showcase the latest technologies and machinery for waste management, recycling and up-cycling as well as the innovative products made from recycled material.
4. India engages with international organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to enable compliance with global sustainability standards. Further, India actively participates in meetings of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) which formulates international standards for plastic products.

 

Conclusion

The Plastic Parks scheme, under the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, represents a comprehensive and forward-looking initiative that addresses both the industrial growth and environmental sustainability of the Indian plastics sector. By providing state-of-the-art infrastructure, fostering cluster-based development, and encouraging private sector participation, the scheme not only strengthens India’s downstream plastic processing capabilities but also attracts investment, boosts exports, and generates employment. As India continues to rise in global plastic trade rankings, the Plastic Parks scheme and allied measures will remain crucial to ensuring that this growth is sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-driven.

References

https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/184/AU5708_ToUfDC.pdf?source=pqals

https://chemicals.gov.in/plastic-park-scheme

https://chemicals.gov.in/sites/default/files/plastic_park_doc/FPP260613.pdf

https://wits.worldbank.org/CountryProfile/en/Country/WLD/Year/LTST/TradeFlow/Export/Partner/by-country/Product/39-40_PlastiRub

https://wits.worldbank.org/CountryProfile/en/Country/IND/Year/2014/TradeFlow/EXPIMP/Partner/WLD/Product/All-Groups

https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/183/AU3054_q0N7Gr.pdf?source=pqals

https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/1712/AU2634.pdf?source=pqals

https://chemicals.gov.in/centre-excellence

https://sansad.in/getFile/annex/266/AU2424_X8QRU6.pdf?source=pqars

Kindly find the pdf file 

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Santosh Kumar | Sarla Meena | Rishita Aggarwal

(Release ID: 2120876) Visitor Counter : 109

Source: Government of India

The Magic of Indian Silk

From Sericulture to Masterpiece

Posted On: 11 APR 2025 1:16PM by PIB Delhi

Introduction

Silk is a thread that connects India’s history, tradition and art. From the rich, bright colors of Kanchipuram sarees to the earthy beauty of Bhagalpur Tussar, every silk saree tells a story. They are made from pure mulberry silk, woven with care and skill by artisans. This craft has been passed down through generations. As the loom hums with the rhythm of their hands, the silk saree comes to life—not just as clothing, but as a symbol of India’s diverse and vibrant soul, stitched together by the art of silk.

India’s Journey of Sericulture

 

Life Cycle of Moth

Sericulture is the process of farming silkworms to make silk. Silkworms are raised on mulberry, oak, castor, and arjun leaves. After about a month, they spin cocoons. These cocoons are collected and boiled to soften the silk. The silk threads are then pulled out, twisted into yarn, and woven into fabric. This careful process turns small silkworms into shiny silk.

 

Economic Role of Silk in Developing India

India is the second largest producer of silk and also the largest consumer of silk in the world. In India, mulberry silk is produced mainly in the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Jammu & Kashmir and West Bengal, while the non-mulberry silks are produced in Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, Orissa and north-eastern states.

Silk is a high value but low volume product accounting for only 0.2 % of world’s total textile production. Silk production is regarded as an important tool for economic development. The developing countries rely on it for employment generation, especially in rural sector and also as a means to earn the foreign exchange.

India’s Silk Market Overview

Government Schemes in Silk Development

Government schemes play a crucial role in the growth of the silk industry in India. These initiatives provide financial support and resources for various activities related to sericulture:

The Silk Samagra Scheme is an important initiative by the government to improve the sericulture industry across India. Its objective is to scale up production by improving the quality and productivity and to empower downtrodden, poor & backward families through various activities of sericulture in the country.

The scheme comprises four (4) major Components:

1. Research & Development, Training, Transfer of Technology and I.T. Initiatives,
2. Seed Organizations,
3. Coordination and Market Development and
4. Quality Certification Systems (QCS) / Export Brand Promotion and Technology Up-gradation.

Silk Samagra-2 is an extension of this effort with a budget of Rs. 4,679.85 crore for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26. These interventions help improve the entire silk production process, from raising silkworms to producing quality silk fabrics.

In addition to Silk Samagra-2, there are other schemes that support the silk and handloom sector:

1. Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS): The Yarn Supply Scheme (YSS) with partial modification and renamed as Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS) has been approved for implementation during period from 2021-22 to 2025-26. To make available quality yarn & their blends to the eligible Handloom weavers at subsidized rates. Total 340 lakh kg of yarn has been supplied during financial year 2023-2024 under the Scheme.
2. National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP): The National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP), running from 2021-22 to 2025-26, aims to support weavers in the handloom sector, including silk fabric producers. The scheme takes a need-based approach to foster the integrated development of handlooms and improve the welfare of handloom weavers. It provides support for raw materials, design, technology upgrades, and marketing through exhibitions. Additionally, it helps create permanent infrastructure like Urban Haats and marketing complexes, benefiting weavers both within cooperatives and in Self-Help Groups.
3. Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector Scheme (SAMARTH): Launched by the Ministry of Textiles, it is a demand-driven and placement-oriented program. Extended for 2 years (FY 2024-25 & 2025-26) with a budget of Rs. 495 crore to train 3 lakh people. Scheme focuses on entry-level training, as well as upskilling and reskilling in Apparel & Garmenting, handloom, handicraft, silk, and jute.

These schemes have helped improve the quantity and quality of raw silk produced, contributing to the growth of the silk industry in India.

Conclusion

India’s silk industry has grown well with help from schemes like Silk Samagra and Silk Samagra-2. These have supported farmers, weavers and rural families. With more focus on training, new ideas, and better markets, India can become a global leader in silk. This will also help keep our silk traditions alive.

References

Kindly find the pdf file 

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Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Kamna Lakaria

(Release ID: 2120877) Visitor Counter : 22

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 10 APR 2025 8:30PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi had a productive interaction regarding the implementation of schemes of Ministry of Women and Child Development of Government of India with State Government officials in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh

In a post on ‘X’, State Minister in charge of Women and Child Development in Arunachal Pradesh,

Ms. Dasanglu Pul said, “Together, we reaffirm our commitment to the welfare and empowerment of women and children across the state.”

 

 

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SS/ MS

(Release ID: 2120896) Visitor Counter : 12

Source: Government of India

SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS VISITS MADINAH TO REVIEW PREPARATIONS MADE FOR INDIAN PILGRIMS

SECRETARY MEETS SAUDI VICE MINISTER OF HAJ AND UMRAH

Posted On: 10 APR 2025 9:15PM by PIB Delhi

Secretary of the Ministry of Minority Affairs Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, visited the city of Madinah to review Haj arrangements for Indian pilgrims who will undertake the pilgrimage this year.

Dr. Kumar also had a meeting with Dr. Abdul Fattah Al Mashat, Hon’ble Vice Minister of Haj & Umrah, Saudi Arabia in Jeddah. Productive bilateral discussions were held in the meeting regarding preparations for Haj this year.

The Saudi side assured full support for the care and comfort of Indian pilgrims.

In a post on ‘X’, of the Ministry of Minority Affairs it was stated that “The Government of India remains committed to ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of all Hajis.”

 

 

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SS/ STK

(Release ID: 2120893) Visitor Counter : 31

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 11 APR 2025 3:15PM by PIB Delhi

A new study conducted in Kolkata shows that the toxicity value of PM2.5 experiences a sudden jump when the pollution reaches around 70 µg m^-3.

PM 2.5, or particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller, is a significant air pollutant posing serious health risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular problems, and is a key indicator of air quality.

The Government of India has taken several initiatives and policy measures to combat air pollution and the latest is the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) launched in 2019 by the MoEFCC. The programme is focused on the reduction of particulate matter by 40 % by 2026 with respect to 2017 through strategies and action plans for 131 non-attainment cities (not attaining the National Ambient Air Quality Standard of India) in India for different states. Kolkata has been identified as one of such cities in India.

Bose Institute, an autonomous research institute under Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India which has been given the responsibility to act as the Nodal Institute to work towards the mitigation of air pollution over this city and also to act as a national knowledge partner under the NCAP, studied the toxicity of atmospheric aerosols over the atmosphere of Kolkata.

Prof. Abhijit Chatterjee and his former Ph.D students Dr. Abhinandan Ghosh and Dr. Monami Dutta also explored how the degree of the toxicity changes with the increase in total aerosol pollution load and have studied the oxidative potential (OP) of ultrafine aerosols (PM2.5) or the potential of forming the reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are introduced to the human lung cells via inhalation of particles. The enhanced presence of the reactive oxidative species makes the natural antioxidants of human cells incapable of counteracting, leading to oxidative stress in cells.

The team led by Prof Chatterjee has shown that there is a non-linear relationship between the PM2.5 pollution load and its toxicity (OP). Up to the PM2.5 pollution load of around 70 µg m^-3, the toxicity remains unchanged. With the increase in PM2.5, the OP values show a jump and sudden rise till the PM2.5 pollution reaches at around 130 µg m^-3. With the further increase in PM2.5 load exceeding 130 µg m^-3, OP values do not change much.

Fig: The relationship between PM2.5 and its oxidative potential over Kolkata and various sources involved for high pollution load and toxicity.

They have conducted source apportionment of PM2.5 with the help of a source-receptor statistical model (Positive Matrix Factorization) and revealed that biomass/solid waste burning is the key source of PM2.5 that is enhancing the toxicity of ultrafine aerosols over Kolkata.

They have also observed that while the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) has been effective in reducing and curbing various air pollution sources like road-dust, constructional/demolition dust, vehicular exhaust, industrial emissions etc. However, biomass/solid waste burning could not be kept under good control. The particles emitted from this particular source are accelerating the toxicity.

The study has introduced a “toxicity standard” of PM 2.5 for this city and the value is around 70 µg m^-3. This implies that policies, strategies and control measures should be taken to keep PM2.5 pollution within this limit of around 70 µg m^-3, because once the PM2.5 load exceeds this value, the toxicity (OP) starts to increase rapidly and goes beyond control.

The study published in the journal Science of The Total Environment has helped urban local bodies in Kolkata to take action, carry out strict surveillance over biomass/waste burning as well as take stringent action. This has been reflected in the air quality of Kolkata in last winter (November 2024-February 2025).

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2120919) Visitor Counter : 31

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Fourteen landlords of subdivided units (SDUs), who contravened Part IVA of the Landlord and Tenant (Consolidation) Ordinance (Cap. 7) (the Ordinance), pleaded guilty and were fined a total of $49,200 today (April 11) at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts. Since the Ordinance came into force, the Rating and Valuation Department (RVD) has all along strengthened enforcement actions and has prosecuted a total of 974 cases to date. Amongst the 649 cases dealt with by the court, all of them were successfully convicted, which involved a total of 557 SDU landlords with fines ranging from $400 to $34,800, amounting to a total of $1,579,910. In addition, 325 cases are pending hearing.
 
     The offences of these 14 landlords include (1) failing to submit a Notice of Tenancy (Form AR2) to the Commissioner of Rating and Valuation within 60 days after the term of the regulated tenancy commenced; and (2) requesting the tenant to pay money other than the types permitted under the Ordinance (i.e. requiring the tenant to pay an amount of rent for the second-term tenancy exceeding the maximum amount of rent permitted under the Ordinance). One of the landlords committed 26 offences under (1) and (2) and was fined $22,800.

     The RVD earlier discovered that the landlords failed to comply with the relevant requirements under the Ordinance. Upon an in-depth investigation and evidence collection, the RVD prosecuted against the landlords.
 
     A spokesman for the RVD reiterated that SDU landlords must comply with the relevant requirements under the Ordinance, including prohibiting landlords from doing any act calculated to interfere with the peace or comfort of members of the tenant’s household, with the intention of causing the tenant to give up occupation of the SDU; or requiring the tenant to pay an amount of rent for the second-term tenancy exceeding the maximum amount of rent permitted under the Ordinance, and also reminded tenants of their rights under the Ordinance, including a four-year (i.e. two years plus two years) security of tenure. He also stressed that the RVD will continue to take resolute enforcement action against any contraventions of the Ordinance. Apart from following up on reported cases, the RVD has been adopting a multipronged approach to proactively identify, investigate and follow up on cases concerning landlords who are suspected of contravening the Ordinance. In particular, the RVD has been requiring landlords of regulated tenancies to provide information and reference documents of their tenancies for checking whether they have complied with the requirements of the Ordinance. If a landlord, without reasonable excuse, refuses to provide the relevant information or neglects the RVD’s request, the landlord commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine at level 3 ($10,000) and to imprisonment for three months. Depending on the actual circumstances, and having regard to the information and evidence collected, the RVD will take appropriate actions on individual cases, including instigating prosecution against suspected contraventions of the Ordinance. In addition, the RVD has started a new round of publicity and education work to enhance public awareness about the key offences and penalties, emphasising that the RVD proactively checks whether landlords have committed the offences under the Ordinance. 

     To help curb illegal acts as soon as possible, members of the public should report to the RVD promptly any suspected cases of contravening the relevant requirements. Reporting can be made through the telephone hotline (2150 8303), by email (enquiries@rvd.gov.hk), by fax (2116 4920), by post (15/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon), or in person (visiting the Tenancy Services Section office of the RVD at Room 3816-22, 38/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, and please call 2150 8303 to make an appointment). Furthermore, the RVD has provided a form (Form AR4) (www.rvd.gov.hk/doc/en/forms/ar4.pdf) on its website to facilitate SDU tenants’ reporting to the RVD.
 
     The RVD reminds that pursuant to the Ordinance, a regulated cycle of regulated tenancies is to comprise two consecutive regulated tenancies (i.e. the first-term tenancy and second-term tenancy) for an SDU, and the term of each regulated tenancy is two years. A tenant of a first-term tenancy for an SDU is entitled to be granted a second-term tenancy of the regulated cycle, thus enjoying a total of four years of security of tenure. The RVD has been issuing letters enclosing relevant information to the landlords and tenants concerned of regulated tenancies in batches, according to the expiry time of their first-term tenancies, to assist them in understanding the important matters pertaining to the second-term tenancy, and to remind them about the procedures that need to be followed about two months prior to the commencement of the purported second-term tenancy as well as their respective obligations and rights under the Ordinance. These landlords and tenants may also visit the dedicated page for the second-term tenancy on the RVD’s website (www.rvd.gov.hk/en/tenancy_matters/second_term_tenancy.html) for the relevant information, including a concise guide, brochures, tutorial videos and frequently asked questions. The landlords and tenants concerned are also advised to familiarise themselves with the relevant statutory requirements and maintain close communication regarding the second-term tenancy for handling the matters properly and in a timely manner according to the Ordinance.
 
     For enquiries related to regulated tenancies, please call the telephone hotline (2150 8303) or visit the RVD’s webpage (www.rvd.gov.hk/en/our_services/part_iva.html) for the relevant information.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government announced today that it will launch the Pilot Scheme on Wading Line System at five low-lying road sections with a higher flooding risk to tackle flooding as early as possible and alert drivers on the road ahead, thereby reducing the possibility of vehicles stalling due to water damage.

The system is being introduced in view of the increasing likelihood of flooding at low-lying road sections caused by heavy rain under extreme weather. Five pilot road sections have been selected as they experienced serious flooding in September 2023, causing damage to vehicles and rendering them inoperable.

The road sections are at Chai Wan Road, Lung Cheung Road, Tsui Ping Road, Chatham Road North and Nam Wan Road in Tai Po Market.

Traffic arrangements will be implemented in phases from later this month at the relevant road sections to facilitate the installation of the system’s warning signs. The installation is expected to be completed in mid-May.

Under the system, warning signs will be placed at low-lying road sections, including a red wavy line and the words “Wading Line” painted on the road surface, with a water meter gauge placed next to it and a sign erected next to the carriageway.

When the water level has reached or submerged the wading line, it indicates the depth of the water at the lowest point of the road ahead has reached 0.3m or above.

The Drainage Services Department (DSD) will install water level sensors called Flood Monitoring Devices at the lowest point of the road sections to collect real-time water level data.

When the devices detect the water level on the road has reached the warning level, the monitoring system will immediately alert relevant government departments. The DSD and the Highways Department will promptly deploy emergency response teams to inspect and clear blocked drains to reduce the risk of flooding.

When the depth of the water has reached 0.3m, there will be temporary traffic guidance on-site to prevent vehicles from entering the flooded road sections. The Transport Department will disseminate information on traffic arrangements accordingly and Police will give assistance as necessary.

If vehicles have entered low-lying road sections before the temporary traffic guidance is in place, drivers should stop their vehicles before reaching the wading line and avoid entering the flooded area. They should also turn on their hazard warning lights and follow the on-site directions to leave the temporarily closed road sections.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Employment (Amendment) Bill 2025, which seeks to revise the working hours threshold of the continuous contract requirement under the Employment Ordinance, was published in the Government Gazette today.

 

The move also aims to make it easier for employees to meet the revised continuous contract requirement and thus be able to enjoy comprehensive employment benefits.

 

The weekly working hours threshold of the continuous contract requirement will be lowered from 18 hours to 17 hours. Moreover, a week with less than 17 working hours will still be regarded as a period under the continuous contract of employment once the sum of the working hours of that week and those of the three weeks immediately preceding it reaches 68 hours.

 

The Labour Department said that the existing eligibility criteria for employees to enjoy various statutory benefits under the ordinance will remain unchanged.

 

It added that subject to a smooth passage of the bill, the amendment ordinance will come into operation on the first Sunday after six months upon its gazettal.

 

During this period, the department will widely publicise the salient features of the amendments to employers and employees, facilitating both parties in getting prepared.

 

The bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council for first and second readings on April 16.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Lands Department (LandsD) announced today (April 10) that new standard rates will apply with retrospective effect from April 1, 2025, for charging land premiums for lease modifications (including land exchanges) with regard to the redevelopment of pre-1987 industrial buildings (IBs) on industrial lots into new developments for modern industrial uses.  
 
The standard rates arrangement for charging land premium in the redevelopment of IBs was first launched in 2021 as an alternative to the conventional premium assessment mechanism. The arrangement aims to provide certainty regarding the premium chargeable for lease modifications and streamline development procedures to expedite the redevelopment of pre-1987 IBs, which were constructed under a set of lower fire service installation requirements before the Code of Practice for Minimum Fire Service Installations and Equipment was revised by the Fire Services Department in 1987.  
 
Under the previous arrangement, differential standard rates were set for: (i) five broad regions in Hong Kong, and (ii) within each region, four uses, namely: “industrial/godown (except special industrial)” use and “special industrial” use before lease modification, as well as “commercial/modern industrial” use and “residential” use to be permitted under the modified lease, for the calculation of the premium chargeable.
 
The level of the standard rates applicable to the redevelopment of IBs is reviewed annually by the LandsD to ensure that the rates are in line with prevailing market conditions. In its Practice Note No. 5/2025 issued today, the LandsD promulgates the updated standard rates applicable to the redevelopment of IBs as of April 1, 2025. At the same time, the LandsD promulgates, for the first time, separate standard rates for “commercial” and “modern industrial” uses after lease modification. The separation of the standard rates for “modern industrial” use from “commercial” use is to better reflect the land value of redeveloped IBs intended for modern industrial use. 
 
A spokesperson for the LandsD said, “Hong Kong is now on its strategic path of planning innovative and technological developments. In view of the increasing number of IB-related transactions in the market and to cope with the growing demand for modern industries under the era of new quality productive forces, it is now an opportune time to set two independent categories of standard rates for ‘commercial’ and ‘modern industrial’ for the redevelopment of IBs. The promulgation of a separate standard rate for ‘modern industrial’ use will provide enhanced certainty to applicants who wish to redevelop their IBs for such use, and is supported by industry and professional organisations.” 
 
With the coming into effect of Practice Note No. 5/2025, differential standard rates will apply for five uses, namely: “industrial/godown (except special industrial)” and “special industrial” uses before lease modification, and “commercial”, “modern industrial” and “residential” uses after lease modification.